HR: 09:30h
AN: ED21D-07    [Abstracts]
TI: Early Entry for Youth into the Ocean Science Pipeline Through Ocean Science School Camp and Summer Camp Programs: A Key Strategy for Enhancing Diversity in the Ocean Sciences
AU: * Crane, N L
EM: ncrane@mpc.edu
AF: Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St, Monterey, Ca 93940
AU: * Crane, N L
EM: ncrane@mpc.edu
AF: California State University Monterey Bay, Camp SEA Lab 100 Campus Center Building 42, Seaside, Ca 93955
AU: Wasser, A
EM: ann_wasser@csumb.edu
AF: California State University Monterey Bay, Camp SEA Lab 100 Campus Center Building 42, Seaside, Ca 93955
AU: Weiss, T
EM: campsealab@csumb.edu
AF: California State University Monterey Bay, Camp SEA Lab 100 Campus Center Building 42, Seaside, Ca 93955
AU: Sullivan, M
EM: maile_sullivan@csumb.edu
AF: California State University Monterey Bay, Camp SEA Lab 100 Campus Center Building 42, Seaside, Ca 93955
AU: Jones, A
EM: amanda_jones@csumb.edu
AF: California State University Monterey Bay, Camp SEA Lab 100 Campus Center Building 42, Seaside, Ca 93955
AB: Educators, policymakers, employers and other stakeholders in ocean and other geo-science fields face the continuing challenge of a lack of diversity in these fields. A particular challenge for educators and geo-science professionals promoting ocean sciences is to create programs that have broad access, including access for underrepresented youth. Experiential learning in environments such as intensive multi-day science and summer camps can be a critical captivator and motivator for young people. Our data suggest that youth, especially underrepresented youth, may benefit from exposure to the oceans and ocean science through intensive, sustained (eg more than just an afternoon), hands-on, science-based experiences. Data from the more than 570 youth who have participated in Camp SEA Lab's academically based experiential ocean science camp and summer programs provide compelling evidence for the importance of such programs in motivating young people. We have paid special attention to factors that might play a role in recruiting and retaining these young people in ocean science fields. Over 50% of program attendees were underrepresented youth and on scholarship, which gives us a closer look at the impact of such programs on youth who would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate. Both cognitive (knowledge) and affective (personal growth and motivation) indicators were assessed through surveys and questionnaires. Major themes drawn from the data for knowledge growth and personal growth in Camp SEA Lab youth attendees will be presented. These will be placed into the larger context of critical factors that enhance recruitment and retention in the geo-science pipeline. Successful strategies and challenges for involving families and broadening access to specialized programs such as Camp SEA Lab will also be discussed.
DE: 0805 Elementary and secondary education
DE: 0815 Informal education
DE: 0825 Teaching methods
DE: 0850 Geoscience education research
SC: Education and Human Resourcese [ED]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting