Creating a Culture of Research Amanda Alonzo, Teacher and STEM Research Coordinator

1. Creating a Culture of ResearchAmanda Alonzo, Teacher and STEM Research Coordinator

2. ShopTalk Agenda • Objectives • Why research? • Lynbrook High School, then and now • Your turn

3. ShopTalk Objectives • Why research? For students and teachers • Share Lynbrook’s journey • Outline the essential strategies to making science “cool” for all stakeholders • Answer questions about my experiences • Develop a course of action with your team

4. Why research? Lynbrook’s Science Scores on Standardized Tests since research program began have soared! Fig. 1 Percent of students scoring proficient or higher since 2005 on CST

5. Lynbrook: Before 2003 • Very limited participation in STEM research • 1 to 2 students entering on their own in regional fair • 1 to 2 students in history of school entering Science Talent Search (ISEF) • No students attending ISEF or STS winners • Teachers reluctant to even sign the required forms • Students didn’t know the opportunities

6. 2003 and 2004 • Attended Educator’s Academy -Small team realized value of student research in STEM -Developed action plan based on our goals and addressed our problems from strategies learned -Began implementing action plan developed including… • Summer Research Class • Worked with middle school feeder

7. Lynbrook: Now • Over 60 students participated this year in some STEM Research competition and 20 were recognized at a state, national or international level • Have sent at least one student to ISEF each year since 2008 (except this year ) • Won Outstanding School for seven years in a row at the regional fair • Over $500,000 in prizes for students, school, and teachers • KLIV Radio- CEO Show

8. Lynbrook: Now • Nine teachers were mentors • Have increased participation in summer research programs 600% • Had 12 semifinalists in last three years (50% are girls!) and two finalists in 2010 • CBS 5- STS Finalists Interview

9. How did we do it? STEM Research Success and Innovation Adapted from Tony Wagner’s book, Creating Innovators, 2012

10. Big Strategies for Student Buy-In • Student generated ideas that are relevant- PASSION and PURPOSE • Voluntary participation- PLAY • Inquiry incorporated in all science courses- PLAY • One-on-one intensive coaching and feedback- PURPOSE • Summer research course (2004 and 2005 only) • Science Club- PLAY • Weekly seminars throughout fair season (descriptions of these posted on Intel Community)

11. Small Strategies for Student Buy-In • Provided lists of research opportunities over the summer on website and in my classroom- PASSION • Include current technology in teaching and learning- PLAY • Wrote LOTS of letters of recommendation-PURPOSE • Involved students in the mentoring of their peers-PURPOSE • Rewarded all students with party and awards- PLAY • STEM Expo- PURPOSE • Announcements for entire school • Used “free press” of student publications consistently • Developed leadership roles with mentoring at feeder school • Success has generated even more interest… Yikes!

12. Staff Buy-in • Dedicated teachers to STEM research had patience and believed- PASSION • Increased professional development to get more teachers on board- PURPOSE • Increased inquiry in classroom- PLAY and PURPOSE • Awarded small stipends for teacher mentoring- PLAY • Acknowledged teachers’ work publicly • Success has drawn teacher interest • Thank you notes

13. Parent Buy-in • Existing strong science background • Access and admission to universities- PURPOSE • Success has peaked even more parent interest and support • Promotes autonomy in students’ science interest

14. Local Research Institutions • Access to upcoming minds • Free/cheap labor • Creative thinkers without obstacles • Get to know upcoming applicants (if a university) • Increase scientific knowledge to add to their work • Thank you notes

15. Obstacles and Challenges • Teacher mindset towards science fairs • Teacher time • Some students underestimate work and time commitment • District funding/money • Now, too much interest

16. Pleasant Surprises • So much interest from students!!! • Enthusiasm is motivating teachers to increase inquiry in their classrooms • Test scores have gone up • Such great projects! • Continued support from Intel, other funders, parents, our school and district

17. QUESTIONS??? Please see Intel online Community for more information on my program and support documents.

18. Your Turn • In small groups (preferably your team) • Determine the current culture around science research in your area • What are students’ attitudes towards science? • Are students doing research outside of school? In classes? • Are parents interested? • Do students even know what STEM research is? • Brainstorm strategies that will address each of the stakeholders that need to be involved to include in your action plan • Students • Teachers • Parents • Community • Local research institutions

19. Special Thanks… • Lynbrook High School • All my wonderful students and their parents  • Intel, FUHSD, IISME, Whitney Foundation, Synopsys Outreach Foundation, and all of our funders • Former team members: • Rhonda Hardy, Arnold Posada, Mary Fay-Zenk, Anjanette Lundell, Jessica Banchieri, Jerry Haas, Pallavi Shah, Joanne Quan • My family for giving me up from Jan- March!