Teen Meetings Outside the Box (TeenMOB): Building Science Communication Skills through a Network of Graduate Level Trainees, Science Teachers, and High School Teens.

Abstract

TeenMOB leverages the knowledge and skills of graduate level trainees in a science outreach program targeting high school teens in local schools with limited science resources. This develops effective scientific communication skills by trainees and promotes scientific interest by teens. Planning for TeenMOB was embraced by UTHSCSA trainees with guidance from graduate faculty. Implementation of TeenMOB Science Night was also facilitated by direct interactions between UTHSCSA trainees and K‐12 science teachers from the Voelcker Biosciences Teacher Academy (VBTA), a network of local education professionals who work to improve STEM education in the San Antonio region. TeenMOB enabled trainees to interface directly with teens and their families through dynamic activities and interactive lessons to educate the public on healthcare‐related issues during a Science Night. Trainees were aided by high school science teachers (local & VBTA) and the school nurse. Not planned, the School Board, Superintendent, and high school Principal visited the event. TeenMOB: (1) Provided facilitated group discussions to promote scientific career building skills and mentoring relationships among trainees, science teachers and teens (2) Increased STEM education experiences for high school students who are underrepresented in STEM fields (3) Established a sustainable template for a science night program in San Antonio; and (4) Established an educational relationship between UTHSCSA and a local community. Support provided by ASBMB POC Seed Grant, the UTHSCSA Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences, and the Vice President for Research.