K-12 Stem
Our group has also been involved in outreach within our New York community via K-12 outreach efforts through the Scientific Outreach And Research (SOAR) program and the development of modules introducing biomaterials to the Urban Assembly Institute for Math and Science for Young Women (UAI). More specifically, we have explore the effects of 3D printing on a high school biology class. Activities related to Homeostasis and Immunity and presented to two classes of ninth grade New York State Regents Living Environment at the Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women (UAI). There were 14 students in the experimental class consisting of 100% female students with 64% African-American, 14% Hispanic, 12% Caucasian, 9% Asian, 2% other, and a teacher. There were 15 students in the control class, consisting of the same demographics stated for the experimental group and a teacher. The students in both classes ranged from 14-15 years old. Students were presented with the quizzes that were designed using past New York Regents Living Environment Exam questions on the topics of homeostasis and immunity to not only test the student’s knowledge before and after the activity, but to also prepare them for the Regents exam. Our results from the post-activity surveys indicate that 3D prints helped the students to effectively learn the material leading to a better understanding and retention of the topics. We are currently writing up a paper based on this outreach.
SOAR Participants
Additionally, modules provided on LabLessons, an online chemistry pre-laboratory platform have been applied to Regents General Chemistry class at Urban Assembly Institute. LabLessons has been proven to be an effective tool in improving students’ understanding of the concepts.6-7 We have also tested new modules, (Moles, Mass, and Molecules, Concentration of Solutions, and Rates of Reaction) and are currently finishing up the analysis that will be described in a manuscript to be submitted for peer review. We are also updating and creating new modules for our platform, which will be tested in Fall 2019 at the Urban Assembly Institute.