Growing students into science leaders is the ultimate aim of a new Innovation Generation grant from the Motorola Foundation. Through the grant, the Office of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Partnerships (OSEP) will develop a new research program for high school students spanning the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Creating Leaders for STEM Student Research program will support high school research opportunities through targeted teacher professional development programs, high school student mentoring, and teacher and student research internships.
"This project grew from a series of dynamic conversations among leaders from local school districts regarding needs for high school STEM education. We are excited to be able to deliver this program in partnership with them and Northern Illinois University," says OSEP assistant director Susan Ipri Brown.
Since 2005, the Motorola Foundation's Innovation Generation program has sought to boost American students' engagement in STEM education. "Engaging youth in STEM fields will be crucial to driving future innovation and keeping America competitive in a global economy," says Eileen Sweeney, director of the Motorola Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Inc. "With the help of these grants, Northwestern University and Motorola can work together to ensure we are adequately building a diverse pipeline of critical thinkers and addressing the most pressing needs around education."
OSEP supports K-12 students and teachers by connecting them with the world-class science, technology, engineering and mathematics resources of Northwestern University.
One of OSEP's most widespread current projects is iLabs, remote online laboratories that enable students and educators to use real instruments, rather than simulations, to carry out experiments from anywhere at any time. More than 1,400 students worldwide are participating in iLabs.
OSEP also currently directs four GLOBE Earth System Science Projects to develop inquiry-based curriculum materials, including GLOBE Watershed Dynamics to create student investigations of watershed behavior.