Alumni Partnership with High School Improves STEM Education
-
-
slice.mit.edu
- 1
Filed Under
For the last several months, a collaboration between the Gloucester Public School system, the Gloucester Education Foundation, and the MIT Edgerton Center has explored fresh ways to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through new curriculum, professional development, student programs, and interaction with MIT alumni volunteers.
According to a newsletter released by MIT's Dean of Undergraduate Education (DUE) this spring, the collaboration has been a huge success.
"Imagine being a sixth grader with an MIT graduate at your side helping you build your very own rocket launcher, underwater robot, or boat from scratch," wrote Amanda Gruhl in the newsletter. "This fantasy is becoming a reality for many Gloucester students thanks to [the partnership]."
Indeed, during one reception to promote the program, Gloucester High physics teacher Kurt Lichtenwald reportedly told attendees how proud he was that several of his students who were previously uninterested in science had developed new fascinations with robotics since teaming up with the MIT alums.
The group is still looking for alums who would like to volunteer. For more information, send an email to Amanda Gruhl, Edgerton Center Alumni Coordinator.
Comments
Magdalena
Mon, 07/13/2009 9:58pm
What a refreshing article about a successful partnership between MIT and a local high school. Having been involved with teachers applying to attend STEM, it's wonderful to hear that middle school students are recruited and exposed to the wonderful world of STEM (Science Tech Engineering and Math). Sometimes by high school kids have already lost interest and curiosity. It's great that local alumns can be involved. I would be interested to know how the partnership started, how it's being managed -- with the hope to start something similar here on the West Coast. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.