Proposals

Abstract

Students Explore Aquatic Sciences (SEAS) is an outreach program based in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS). Our program provides project-based learning activities for K-12 students in the Seattle area. The goals of SEAS are to: (1) provide science access for underserved K-12 students, (2) present aquatic and fishery science career options to K-12 students, (3) build community partnerships with local science and outreach organizations, and (4) provide collaborative outreach opportunities for UW students in aquatic science disciplines. The operational model of SEAS is for volunteers (UW graduate students, undergraduates, and staff) to collaboratively develop project-based learning activities, then present activities to K-12 students at local schools, local science institutions (i.e. Seattle Aquarium), and on-campus at UW. Our project-based learning activities for K-12 classrooms are peer-reviewed, designed to fulfill Next Generation Science Standards, and emphasize the use of the scientific method and critical thinking to examine regionally-relevant issues in the environmental and aquatic sciences. We request funding to procure electronic equipment that will help our volunteers provide high-quality science experiences for K-12 students in off-campus and on-campus locations.