Hands On and Feet First: Linking High-Ability Students to Marine Scientists

Abstract

This study explored student perceptions of the benefits gained from participation in the Science Fair Summer Camp (SFSC) program at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI) in Fort Pierce, FL. The 2-week day camp program links scientists to high-ability secondary students as they design and conduct hands-on research projects in marine science. The study considered the following research questions: (1) Does this summer program align with current educational recommendations for science reform, as well as with the research and recommendations regarding the education of high-ability learners? (2) What do students gain from participating in such programs? (3) Are there any benefits that students experience by participating in the HBOI SFSC program that they cannot experience through their regular classroom curricula? Separate findings from surveys of two camp sessions revealed that many aspects of the SFSC program aligned with elements that are considered essential for high-ability learners and also aligned with current recommendations for science education reform. In addition, students experienced positive changes in both their feelings about science and their opinions of scientists. Students also noted that the camp experience provided the opportunity to conduct field and laboratory research not always available to them in the context of their school classrooms or with the same quality of equipment and technology.