The Billion Oyster Project and Curriculum and Community Enterprise for Restoration Science Curriculum Impact on Underrepresented Student Motivation to Pursue STEM Careers

Lauren B Birney,Joyce Kong,Brian R Evans,Elmer-Rico Mojica,Guarav Kondapuram,Vibhakumari Solanki,Christelle Scharff,Dimitrios Kaoutzanis

doi:10.5430/jct.v10n4p47

Abstract

The Billion Oyster Project and Curriculum and Community Enterprise for the Restoration of New York Harbor with New York City Public Schools (BOP-CCERS) program is a National Science Foundation (NSF) supported initiative and collaboration of multiple institutions and organizations led by Pace University. The NSF project, Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST), had generated a large amount of data through engagement with teachers and students throughout New York City public schools. One purpose of this project is to engage with middle and high school science teachers to assist them in using project-based learning and real-world data collection in their classrooms with their students through harbor restoration initiatives. It was found that Underrepresented Minority (URM) students reported having higher levels of interest in STEM and science than did the non-URM students. While this is a success, it was found that the URM students had lower expectations for success in STEM courses and interest in STEM careers. It was concluded that URM students may need additional support in order to build their confidence and help them to become aware of opportunities in STEM education and careers.

Highlights

The Billion Oyster Project and Curriculum and Community Enterprise for the Restoration of New York Harbor with New York City Public Schools (BOP-CCERS) program is a National Science Foundation (NSF) supported initiative and collaboration of multiple institutions and organizations led by Pace University
BOP-CCERS is by design, a model of community-based restoration science education that requires parental support of student learning, but direct large-scale participation by school community members in the practical, highly localized applications of restoration science
This broader community of parent-volunteers and STEM+C professionals involved in BOP-CCERS is a prime factor in driving the growth and expansion of the model across New York City schools

Summary

Introduction

The Billion Oyster Project and Curriculum and Community Enterprise for the Restoration of New York Harbor with New York City Public Schools (BOP-CCERS) program is a National Science Foundation (NSF) supported initiative and collaboration of multiple institutions and organizations led by Pace University. Every school engaged in the BOP-CCERS model, relies on a dedicated community of parents, volunteers and STEM+C professional working in concurrence on nearby reef restoration sites, collecting and sharing BOP-CCERS standardized field data, and providing new opportunities for student technical learning outside of the classroom. This broader community of parent-volunteers and STEM+C professionals involved in BOP-CCERS is a prime factor in driving the growth and expansion of the model across New York City schools. More than 300 of these volunteers work directly with BOP-CCERS students in monitoring Oyster Research Stations and community reefs

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Conclusion