GK-12: ENGAGING GRADUATE STUDENTS AND POST-DOCS IN INTEGRATING AND COMMUNICATING THEIR RESEARCH INTO MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOMS

The GK-12 program is an outreach opportunity that is offered through the Purdue University Graduate School in connection with its Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) and Preparing Future Professionals (PFP) courses. Originally developed as part of an NSF program for STEM students at over 200 universities, since 2010 Purdue has maintained a locally sustained model with participation open to all graduate students and Post Docs regardless of discipline. GK-12 places participants into middle school classrooms for one day a week for ten weeks. They receive in-house training on pedagogy, lesson planning, and classroom management. Participants work with a cooperating teacher, and progress from observing to co-teaching for several weeks. They also develop and execute a standards-based lesson incorporating hands-on activities, collaborative work, and inquiry and discovery learning that brings themes from their graduate research into the classroom. Our analysis of participant journals indicates that participants gain pedagogical knowledge, improve their skills communicating with diverse audiences, and develop an understanding of interpersonal skills that are essential for effective teaching. GK-12 also provides collaborating teachers with innovative and reusable activities that enhance the learning experience for their students, and it also grows community relations and aids in teacher professional development. Geoscience majors are strongly encouraged to participate in the program as an opportunity to communicate and share their research and passion for science, improve earth science literacy, and contribute to the broader impacts of externally funded research projects.