The Scaffolded Undergraduate Research Training Program (SURTP) can partner with local K-12 schools to provide complementary interdisciplinary outreach programs to K-12 students. The covered disciplines may include math, physics, and biology. Students will also practice their learning in the form of arts. This outreach program is supported by the National Science Foundation and is at no cost to you and your students.
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Outreach Features
- The interactive outreach courses are designed by undergraduate students at Kennesaw
State University. Each outreach lecture follows a Lesson Plan Template. The lecture
contents are based on what the undergraduates have learned in SURTP. All course materials
will be approved by the SURTP instructor before delivery.
- We will meet with you to become more familiar with your class before the outreach
courses are planned. The course materials will be designed following the school curriculum
and your teaching goals. The SURTP instructor will communicate closely with you for
feedback and adjustment.
- The outreach courses will be delivered by undergraduate students at Kennesaw State
University. All undergraduate students who participate in the outreach activities
will have to pass a background check.
- The outreach courses will be delivered at times that fit your class schedule, either
as a part of your class or in the form of after-school activities. If face-to-face
lectures are not possible, virtual lectures will be conducted.
- The frequency of the outreach courses will be discussed with individual teacher to fit the curriculum and their teaching objectives. A typical frequency can be once a month or once every two weeks.
- The interactive outreach courses are designed by undergraduate students at Kennesaw
State University. Each outreach lecture follows a Lesson Plan Template. The lecture
contents are based on what the undergraduates have learned in SURTP. All course materials
will be approved by the SURTP instructor before delivery.
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Program Evaluation
We will work with you to assess your students’ learning outcomes. The data collected in the evaluation will be used only for assessment purposes to synergistically inform and improve the outreach program. It will not be used to produce generalized knowledge on teaching. The assessment method will be designed in consultation with you.
Below is an example of how an evaluation may be conducted.
Students’ learning outcomes can be evaluated through anonymous tests and self-reflection. Before the beginning of each academic year, students in the classes that we partner with will be tested on their knowledge of the application of math, the applicability of physics, and the connection between physics and biology.
At the end of the academic year, the same students will be tested again on the same set of questions. Their answers will be compared and analyzed statistically to evaluate their learning outcomes. Self-reflection will be conducted at the end of each academic year. The reflection prompts include what they have learned over the year, how they like the STEM field and why STEM is important for society, what does the interdisciplinary subject mean to them, and what are their career goals.
Join the Program!
If you are interested in having your school and your students participate in the outreach program, or if you have any questions on the program, feel free to contact us at surtp@kennessaw.edu.
All schools are welcome; Title 1 schools are especially encouraged to apply.