written by Noah D. Finkelstein and Laurel Mayhew

Research in physics education has demonstrated new tools and models for improving the understanding and engagement of traditional college students [1].  Building on this base, the research community has bridged the gap from college to pre-college education, even elementary school [2].  However, little work has been done to engage students in out-of-school settings, particularly for those students from populations under-represented in the sciences.  We present a theoretically-grounded model of university-community partnership [3] that engages university students and children in a collective enterprise that has the potential to improve the participation and education of all.  We document the impact of these programs on: university participants who learn about education, the community and even some science; children in the community who learn about science, the nature of science and develop  their identities and attitudes towards science; and, shifts in institutional practice which may allow these programs to be sustained, or not.

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Published October 20, 2008
Last Modified May 21, 2009

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