“A SySTEMs Approach to STEM Education”

1. “A SySTEMs Approach to STEM Education” Christine Barrow, John McClure, Kameswari Tekumalla, Raymond Vavrek Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD NSF STEP DUE Grant - 0431648 STEM

2. Project Objectives & Approach • Increase STEM Graduates and Transfers • Our Approach • Support STEM Collegian Center to provide a mentored, co-curricular learning community • An interdisciplinary approach to STEM, to improve depth and breadth of learning • Integration of research and education to promote student understanding and excitement

4. The Project Features • Support for the STEM Collegian Center • Performance awards for successful STEM course completion • Stipend for 15 hours of Civic Engagement (volunteer) • Stipend for “outside class” capstone/research project • Funds for “Identity Building” items (shirts, caps, etc.) • Funds for conference travel

5. The Project Features • Curriculum Development • Development of Interdisciplinary modules • Development of Linked Courses • Faculty Stipend for supporting student research • Faculty Enrichment opportunities • Annual Conference - “Crossing the Line” • Focus on Interdisciplinary research – “Discipline Days”

6. Spring 2005/Fall 2005 STEM Collegian/Division Mixer Mark Matties & Bowie State Supercomputer Theresa Francis & Coding Theory James York & Chaos Theory Partnerships with Nutrition, Bio, other Coll. Ctrs., & Honors Osprey Banding Community Service (Stream clean-up, etc.) Peer Tutoring STEM Website Design Transfer Workshop Resume/CV Workshop Spring 2006 Digital music behind the scenes More with Supercomputers Valerie Nelson & the NSA Collegian Center Quiz Bowl AMHPS in Texas START conference Build Your Own Computer STEM Collegian Center – Event Highlights Collegian, Ivy Phaire with Dr. Ben Carson at AMHPS 2006

7. STEM Collegian Center – Event Highlights, Spring 2005 Collegians at Koshland Science Museum, Washington, DC, 2005

8. STEM Collegian Center – Performance Awards • Award for “success” in STEM courses • 1st course (A=$220, B=$200, C=$180) • Additional courses subtract $30, $60, $90, etc. • Full award for active members • Award reduced 25% based on activities, mentor rating, and civic engagement

9. Performance Awards

10. Research Projects Students receive $400 Supplies = $80/student Faculty receive $500/student 6 projects 11 students 3 faculty Bio, Chem, and Eng. Tech. To be submitted Joint STEM/high school project in biology Civic Engagements On and Off Campus Peer tutoring in p shop & individuals CH science labs Computer labs Hospitals 52/165 = 32% participation Increased from 21% in Sp05 Some do several activities Receive $150 for 15 hours STEM Collegian Center – Research and Civic Engagements

11. Participants (Fall 2005) 165 students 42 mentors 27 alumni Successes Grads & Transfers Howard Univ., UMBC, UMCP, Towson, Capital International Scholar Laureate Program Civic engagement leads to employment 3 selected for AMHPS symposium in Houston Participants - Overview & Successes Collegian, Lelia Slade with Dr. Greg Kearns, Osprey Banding Field Trip

12. Participants by Major Collegian, Dale Banks with Vice Admiral and Surgeon General, Richard Carmona, NSF Community College Day 2005

13. Assessment and Evaluation (Spring 2005) • Lengthy Blackboard Survey, N = 71 students, 87% of the active participants • Over 80% (80.9%) felt that participation in Collegian Center activities made them more confident about their ability to succeed in their science and math studies. • Over three-fourths (76.2%) felt that participation in Collegian Center activities made them more likely to consider a career in a STEM occupation. • Participants were very optimistic about completing their studies in science and math; 85.7% believed that they would complete their studies at PGCC. • Fully 97.6% of those who participated in one or more STEM activities agreed that they were very likely to pursue a STEM career.

14. Assessment and Evaluation (Fall 2005) • Student Assessment of Learning Gains (SALG) website http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/salgains/instructor/ • N = 64, 54% of active participants (reported early, before survey closed) • How much of the following do you think you will remember and carry with you into other classes or aspects of your life: • a desire to build a career in a STEM discipline or field 4.53/5.00 (S.D.=0.75) • an ability to handle problems logically and methodically 4.37/5.00 (S.D.=0.80) • Scale (1 = not at all; 2 = a little; 3 = somewhat; 4 = a lot; 5 = a great deal) • Which was the most important factor in joining? • 61% my career interests • 9% possible stipend • To what extent has your interest in a STEM career been increased by your participation? • 73% a great deal

15. Other Project Components • Interdisciplinary Curriculum • Reproductive Biology and Statistics Spring 2007 • p-Shop “Grand Opening” 09/16/2005 • Freddie Sanford • Tutoring by 6 STEM Collegians • Build Your Own Computer – working on logistics • Planning Phase: • Interdisciplinary Modules • Crossing the Line Conference • Discipline Days

16. Project Conclusions (Year 1) • Collegian Center concept is a big hit! • Career interests rather than money are the motivator for participation. • STEM enrollments and successes have increased. • Mentoring and research enrich academic and professional preparation. • Leadership and volunteer opportunities lead to personal and professional exploration. • Great faculty and institutional support means sustainability.

17. Contact Us • Christine Barrow, Coordinator and PI • Phone: 301-341-3086 Email: cbarrow@pgcc.edu • Kameswari Tekumalla, Mentor Coordinator and Co-PI • Phone: 301-322-0425 Email: tekumakx@pgcc.edu • John McClure, Research Coordinator and Co-PI • Phone: 301-322-0605 Email: mcclurjl@pgcc.edu • Ray Vavrek, Civic Engagement Coordinator and Co-PI • Phone: 301-322-0145 Email: vavrekrx@pgcc.edu • Website - http://academic.pgcc.edu/scc/