Abstract
The move to virtual schooling and other measures to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection dramatically changed the educational experience for grades K-12 populations during the years 2020 and 2021. STEM teaching and learning, and community partnerships focused on STEM education, were not exempt from the changes. Universities and other community partners had to adapt their STEM partnership programming to address new needs and assist students, teachers, families, and schools throughout periods of at-home learning and the re-reintroduction of in-person classes. Some of the changes included developing new programs, providing health-related guidance to school leaders, and converting student-focused programs to virtual formats. Through these experiences, new approaches emerged and lessons were learned that can be applied to partnership activities during normal times. These lessons included recognizing the importance of addressing inequities in students' access to technology; development of strategies to redesign enrichment programs and classroom instruction for effective online delivery; and identifying and adapting to the range of technologies available to support virtual teaching in differing schools. The increased familiarity by all partners with virtual formats has opened the door to greater participation by students in STEM enrichment programs, online partnerships with STEM professionals and mentoring opportunities.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted strengths and shortcomings in how we provide education at all levels in the United States
Local education leaders worked with city and county health officials to “flatten the curve” and contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in schools by eliminating or reducing in-person attendance by students and personnel
STEM higher education partners, those who are engaged in biomedical research and healthcare, have vital roles to play in ensuring that teachers, students and families have access to accurate science and health information and know how to identify reliable sources
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted strengths and shortcomings in how we provide education at all levels in the United States. Implementing measures to reduce the spread of disease was the only option last year. Stay-at-home guidelines reduced community spread of the virus at a time when scientists were still learning about its transmission. Local education leaders worked with city and county health officials to “flatten the curve” and contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in schools by eliminating or reducing in-person attendance by students and personnel. As the 2019-2020 school year came to an end, students, teachers and staff stayed at home and followed health precautions communicated by state and local agencies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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