Collaborating Across Disciplines and the Commonwealth: Engaging Students in Community-Based Learning

Authors

  • Katherine E. Rowan George Mason University
  • Cynthia Smith George Mason University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13021/G8X01C

Keywords:

active learning, STEM, multidisciplinary collaboration

Abstract

The School Environmental Action Showcase is in its fifth year at George Mason University. This event may be the largest STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) showcase in Virginia. Seven hundred youth, from kindergarten through high school, present their environmentally oriented research at Masonââ¬â¢s Center for the Arts in April.

à

The Mason leader, a science professor, has coordinated with a communication faculty member to support SEAS.à SEAS àis funded by the 4VA Wind and Watershed partnership.à It also includes faculty and students in a James Madison University course, community NGOs, dozens of regional K-12 schools,àstate and federal agencies,àMason admissions and sustainability offices, public officials, and student volunteers.à Youth present projects such as planting radishes to improve the cleanliness of Virginia waters and designing wind turbines to increase energy production.à This proposed lightning talk will share highlights, Mason studentsââ¬â¢ feedback, and lessons learned about teaming across disciplines.

Author Biographies

Katherine E. Rowan, George Mason University

Professor

Director, BA in Communication

Director, Science Communication Graduate Program

Communication Department

Cynthia Smith, George Mason University

Professor

Environmental Science and Public Policy

Published

2016-07-15

Issue

Section

4:15pm-5:30pm POSTER SESSION (Group A- 4:15-4:45pm)