SCIENCountErs

The SCIENCountErs outreach program is a collaboration between ICE and the Boys and Girls Clubs (B&GC) of Dane County that was established in 2005 in collaboration with the UW–Madison Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC). The aim of SCIENCountErs is to inspire and excite a diverse audience of future scientists and engineers. We visit both B&GC in the Madison area each week during the academic year where we present hands-on science and engineering activities to 4th through 8th grade students.

Our goals, listed below, are achieved by UW undergraduate and graduate students who design and present hands-on science and engineering activities to the middle school Club members as part of their own service learning. Over the course of the next six years, ICE plans to expand the very successful SCIENCountErs program to B&GC throughout Wisconsin and the country.

Program goals

• To affect participating Boys & Girls Club members by improving their:
• Attitudes towards science/scientists
• Perceptions of their scientific ability
• Ability to communicate science
• Understanding of content prescribed by the National Science Education Standards
• To establish and maintain positive relationships between institutions of higher education, B&GC, and local science industries
• To be scaled up to B&GCs statewide and nationwide

Lessons

The SCIENCountErs lessons and lesson topics that help us reach these goals are designed to:

• meet both Wisconsin State Science Education and National Science Education Standards.
• make use of inexpensive and easily obtained materials.
• be highly hands-on, inquiry based, and cover a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.

Lesson Topics

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Earth Science
• Nanotechnology
• Interpreting Your World

 

SCIENCountErs is supported by funds from the UW-Madison NSEC