2020 Virtual Showcase

One of the goals of NC-FEW is to highlight members' work through various forms of dissemination within the community. Doing so enables connections with other NC-FEW participants who may share interests and helps cultivate collaborations that may build upon, enhance, and grow your education and research endeavors. The virtual showcase provided a platform for both contributing to and learning about the FEW-Nexus-focused educational programs and research findings from work of fellow NC-FEW participants.  Work submitted to this event illustrates some aspect(s) of educational programming in K-12, postsecondary, or informal/nonformal settings, as well as findings from education research in the context of the programs.

Investigating Human Impact on Local Water Resources: An NGSS-Designed Approach
Nicole Friedenfelds, Laura Cisneros, Toss Campbell, Gary Chadwick, David Dickson, Laura Rodriguez, Chet Arnold, and Michael Willig - University of Connecticut
Abstract
This presentation reveals an in-depth curricular unity exploring the effects of human land use on local water resources.  This unit was designed to connect high school students to water resources in their community, both in the field and through the use of interactive mapping technology.  These methods engage students in science and technology using multiple disciplines and can help them better understand how their local water resource is affected by the surrounding landscape.  in this unit, students explore the dynamics of local water resources and the anthropogenic issues that affect them through field and open-access online inquiry-based activities.

Kids in the garden: Bees, Pollen, and Pollinators Program to Involve middle and High School Students in the Study of Science, Climate Chage, and Food for Underrepresented Youth.
Rita Hagevik, Kaitlin U. Campbell, Martin B. Farley - University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Abstract
A team of scientists and science educators have been using the study of pollinators, pollen, and plants with middle and high school students to investigate what it can tell them about their world through inquiry-based research to develop skills in collecting, analyzing, and communicating data.  The grant funded program, now in its sixth year, includes an after-school and summer program aty the University.  UNC-Pembroke is in a rural, economically depressed region of the Southeastern U.S. with a large population underrepresented among scientists.  One challenge is to make science real and relevant.,  People are familiar with the spring areal deluge of pollen which begins the exploration of pollen, pollinators, and food.  The many hurricants in the area make climate change a real phenomena.

What Lives in the Harbor?  Baltimore City Students & Towson University Students Investigate Water Quality
Sarah Haines and Chelsea McClure - Towson University
Abstract
Towson University (TU) preservice teachers conduct educational programming focusing on watershed education for urban youth at the National Aquarium.  Urban youth are middle school students from Baltimore City Public Schools, visiting the aquarium to participate in the "What Lives in the Harbor" program.  This is a BTU (Baltimore/Towson University) Partnership: TU faculty and students work with partners throughout Greater Baltimore to better address the needs of the region.  Out community partner is the National Aquarium of Baltimore.

A Low-Cost Affordable Food Energy Water Inquiry-Based Curricula for Elementary and Middle School Youth
Porche L. Spence¹, Tonya M. Gerals-Goins¹, Kimberly Weems¹, Caesar Jackson², and Greg Goins² - (1) North Carolina Central University (2) North Carolina A&T University
Abstract
Here we describe a novel approach to help address broadening participation challenges in the 21st century.  We have a collaboration between two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) - NCA&T and NCCU partnering with several middle schools.  The middle school years are pivotal time in the development of student behaviors, attitudes, and work habits, and therefore is an inflection point for approaches.  Our food, energy, water socio-environmental framework is part of a networked improvement community located in North Carolina.  We have positively impacted student retention, knowledge, and quantitative skills in STEM across socio-economic divides.  This will help broaden participation among a new generation of scientists with the requisite training in the FEW-related fields.