environmental education research projects 2012 junior solar sprints longitudinal study junior...
TRANSCRIPT
Environmental Education Research Projects 2012
Junior Solar Sprints Longitudinal Study
Junior Solar Sprints Statewide
Life after H2
Junior Solar SprintsLongitudinal Research Project
The CompetitionStudents work in teams to design and build solar-powered model carsLearn aspects of renewable energy, physics & engineering Correlated to Core Curriculum Content Standards
2011
2002
Surveys from previous years Measured program satisfaction No qualitative or long-term data
Need to determine long-term outcomes & benefits
Does participation in the program influence educational interests and career paths in the future?
Does participation in the program create opportunities for young women to pursue careers in science and engineering?
Statement of need
Methodology
Follow 263 (10%) participating in 2012 competition over a span of 11 yearsAnnual survey
Qualitative data Quantitative data
Parental consent and school involvementIncentivesAnnual follow-up & reporting
Study year
Number of participants Tasks
1 263Survey development -- Initial contact -- Secure participation through
teachers, administrators and parents -- Survey distribution -- Reporting
2 210 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
3 168 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
4 134 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
5 107 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
6 86 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
7 69 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
8 55 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
9 44 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
10 35 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
11 28 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting
*Projections assume a 20% annual attrition rate
JSS Statewide Success of program is measured by:
Increased participation Positive feedback Nine years of student & school
involvement
Next step is to expand the program
Methodology Focus group
10-12 participants Representatives from each county Mixture of new/experienced teachers and
volunteers
Topics to include Where will a statewide competition take
place? What would the budget include? How will it be organized? How many coordinators are needed?
Why use a focus group?
Centralized, recordable Need for new ideas & feedback Promotes discussion Critical stage in planning Thoughts and experiences of individuals
from different backgrounds
Life after H2
The Competition
Students at the high school level design, build and race hydrogen-powered model cars Annual competition involving several different schools
Methodology Focus group
7-10 participants Mixture of new/experienced teachers and
volunteers
Topics to include What program or event can replace H2?
Is it feasible? What would be the budget for a different
competition? What similar programs or events have been
used before?
Why use a focus group?
Centralized, recordable Need for new ideas Exposure to events previously unaware
of Input from those who will be involved in
H2 replacement