CONNECTING THE DOTS: USING GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION TO FOSTER PERSONAL MEANING AND DEVELOP BIG PICTURE UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE OF SCIENCE

Meaningful, immersive experiences in the sciences can aid in developing self efficacy and personal relevance when attempting to build an understanding of the nature of science-- scientific thought, study, and application. The geosciences provide a context from which to explore the personal relevance of science by connecting everyday lived reality to the big picture understanding of our planet. Allowing humans to explore the cultural, historical, and practical connections between their lives and various aspects of geoscience, such as climate and weather patterns, mineral use throughout history, and the geology of the space race, connects intangible concepts to accessible human relevance.

The LeaderSTATE STEM program at Mississippi State University hosts six 5-day residential camps on the university campus each summer for JROTC students (N = 360) from MS, AL, and LA. We designed the geosciences STEM activities to be culturally relevant, personally meaningful experiences that build a general understanding of the nature of science, as well as offer first-hand exposure to a spectrum of careers and areas of study within the geosciences. A general understanding of the nature of science, when combined with experiences that enrich the personal meaning of science, creates opportunities for humans to see themselves as scientists--people following their curiosity with structure and purpose. Achieving this self perception is key to a young person’s interest and self confidence in pursuing academic and career pathways in the sciences. This is especially relevant in LeaderSTATE STEM, as the majority of students come from either rural or inner city areas, from underrepresented groups.

While not every student will go on to become a scientist, an understanding of the nature of science, as well as a perception of the personal relevance of scientific advancements and endeavors, will help all students to appreciate the connections between their lives, cultures, histories, futures, and the applications of science. This is personal meaning in science, for all students.