Help Science Detectives!
Science education in the United States is suffering. A recent
international survey of 34 countries ranked the USA 17th in the world for
proficiency in science.[1] Despite our resources, wealth, and global status, the
U.S. is falling behind when it comes to education. Only 18% of 4th graders in Arizona
are at or above proficiency levels in science, and Arizona ranks 45th in the U.S. for science education. [2] The American public school system needs help. Science
Detectives (SD) believes that something can and must be done.
Science Detectives is an after school program for elementary school students created by ASU undergraduates. Elementary school students participate in weekly hands-on lessons that explore real-world applications of physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematical analysis. The program lasts from six to ten weeks, giving the elementary school students sufficient time to master the advanced curriculum and build familiarity with the scientific method. We aim to introduce students to a wide breadth of science at a young age while providing them with engaging role models. We also desire to teach the students real scientific theory, creating a platform for future science classes.
Our emphasis throughout the program is on inquiry. We encourage
our students to question the world around them, create explanations for
observable phenomena, and then build experiments to test their hypotheses. We
believe that a scientist's most powerful tool is the scientific method;
students will leave our program prepared to use that tool to tackle real-world
challenges.
Science
Detectives currently operates free of charge at 6 elementary schools in the
Tempe/Kyrene School Districts. Although we try to limit the cost of our
lessons, we will be serving over 180 elementary school students and 50 ASU
students this semester, and we have plans for expanding even more! All donations will go towards the cost of supplies for
the lessons as well as the required fingerprint cards for the instructors.
Learn more about Science Detectives through our website: sciencedetectives.org or on facebook at Science Detectives, LLC!
