67A-8 |
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K. M. CROWE1, M. Morcom2, and A. A. Bushway1. (1) Dept. of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Univ. of Maine, 5735 Hitchner Hall, Orono, ME 04469, (2) Asa C. Adams Elementary School, 10 Goodridge Dr., Orono, ME 04473 As part of a national effort to increase science and math education through integrating scientific research and education, the National Science Foundation at the University of Maine is helping to connect the graduate education system with the primary and secondary systems. The program provides scientific enrichment and teaching opportunities to 12 fellows (10 graduates and 2 undergraduates) who work with cooperating NSF teachers in several school districts throughout Maine. Science education in GK-12 is enhanced through numerous program provisions which include fellow expertise, laboratory equipment, in-class lab experiments, and field trips that would not otherwise be financially feasible. As scientists, NSF fellows serve as role models for their students while also enhancing their own academic and professional careers. The NSF program is mutually beneficial to all who participate as is seen each year through an increase in students’ attitudes toward science, professional enrichment of participating teachers, and the pursuit of advanced degrees by fellows. Although the program enhances learning in numerous areas of science, fellows are also able to introduce students to their particular field of research. The incorporation of food science education has introduced students to the exciting and challenging opportunities within food microbiology and food safety. Experiment lessons have covered such topics as Cellular Respiration: the Role of Microorganisms in the Production of Bread and Yogurt, Microbial Spoilers: the Impact of Microorganisms on the Shelf-life of Milk, Germs Galore: Growing Microbial Cultures, and Food Safety 101: Keeping Foods Safe. Food science education and research has long been a staple curriculum of universities nationwide; however, the prevalence of this discipline in primary and secondary classrooms is lacking. Because food science represents a nice cross-section of scientific disciplines, the incorporation of food science education into Maine classrooms through the NSF GK-12 program has the potential to boost the overall science content of the state’s primary and secondary education systems.
Session 67A, Education: General
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