Models of Inquiry-based Science Outreach to Urban Schools
Paul G. Harnik, Robert M.
Ross 2004 Journal of Geoscience Education v52, n5, p420
Abstract - A primary obstacle to urban precollege geoscience education is limited access to inquiry-based geoscience experiences that are engaging and relevant to students' lives. Opportunities are reduced by the common misconception that the geosciences are less relevant to urban audiences and by the financial limitations of many urban school districts. The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) developed two outreach programs for urban elementary school classrooms. Collections Connections engaged students in the natural sciences through the collection, curation, and exhibition of natural objects found in a local urban park. Devonian Seas involved students in authentic paleontological research through data collection and analysis of fossil samples. Grant-supported outreach programming reduces financial obstacles to participation and allowed the PRI to reach diverse audiences that may not otherwise have contact with museum educators. Evaluations of the PRI educational programs have identified four pedagogical approaches integral to successful outreach in urban elementary schools, and precollege classrooms more broadly: 1) providing students with opportunities to observe real fossil specimens catalyzes learning; 2) local examples connect classroom content to students� everyday lives; 3) interdisciplinary topics are a springboard for teaching across curricula; and 4) authentic research experiences teach students that science is something they can do.
