K-12 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: EDUCATING TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, RE-EDUCATING SCIENTISTS

The University of Florida’s Scientist in Every Florida School (SEFS) initiative focuses on building lasting collaborative relationships between K12 teachers and scientists with the overall goal of integrating current scientific research and big data into classroom lessons. Scientists visiting and engaging with students and teachers in a classroom setting generates authentic scientific practices, encouraging undergraduate and graduate students to hone their communication and engagement skills.

SEFS is a moonshot initiative of the Thompson Earth Systems Institute, a program dedicated to the communication and education of Earth Systems Science research. With a network of over 350 scientists and 1,000 public school teachers, and a focus on Title 1 schools, SEFS models how K12 educational outreach programs can enable diverse representation and inclusion in the classroom. In turn, this promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion at higher academic levels.

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, K12 educational outreach and science communication has adapted to a new reality—videoconferencing. Prior to the pandemic, scientists visited classrooms and utilized 3D prints, fossils, rocks, and interactive presentations to engage students in their research, as well as supplement the teacher’s lesson plan by following Florida Sunshine State Standards. Adapting K12 educational outreach and science communication for digital dissemination has further emphasized why accessible and inclusive scientific research is necessary. Adapting to this online platform has broadened SEFS’ portfolio of educational material. Beyond class visits, SEFS scientists have completed virtual talks with multiple classrooms, as well as science clubs and camps. SEFS scientists have conducted interactive virtual presentations with public audiences and have arranged multiple professional development workshops focused around Earth System Science (atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere) for K12 teachers.

The SEFS initiative is a prime example of how K12 education outreach enables undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professional scientists, an opportunity to strengthen their engagement and communication skills, along with promoting accessibility and inclusion in K12 classrooms and university departments.