Science, technology, engineering and math education in the United States is at a crucial juncture. In an age of stem cell research, clean energy innovations and nanotechnology, scientific research and discovery are paving the way to a better future. Technology-driven professions have become increasingly common, with a central focus on innovative approaches to solving many of the world's pressing issues. A significant number of college graduates will find themselves employed in technological fields, and this number will only increase as less technical jobs are outsourced.
So how, you may ask, does this apply to Tufts? We are fortunate to attend a premier research institution in which groundbreaking discoveries in the sciences are made on a consistent basis. Our professors, our advisors and sometimes even our fellow students are on the cutting edge of the scientific frontier. Most importantly, hands-on research at a university such as Tufts serves as phenomenal training for employment in a technical or scientific field upon graduation. Yet, most will likely not be surprised to learn that our experience is not the norm. Science education is suffering throughout the United States. Without a strong foundation in the sciences, the United States stands to lose its position as a global leader in technological innovations, if that distinction hasn't already been lost. Before the social sciences and humanities majors tune us out, we want to emphasize that improving science education can be accomplished by everyone, engineers and history buffs alike. We would like to draw your attention to a brand new opportunity for Tufts students to become part of the solution.
Next spring, the Experimental College (ExCollege) will kickoff an inaugural course with Citizen Schools, a national non-profit organization, to give Tufts students the chance to improve science education firsthand. In 1995, Citizen Schools, a Boston-based social entrepreneurial startup, sought to address the issue of engaging middle school students in their education. Since then, Citizen Schools has expanded nationally and emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives (STEM). Citizen Schools' teaching model focuses around weekly 90-minute-long apprenticeships taught by volunteer students and professionals. Citizen Schools will provide the volunteers with a small stipend to purchase needed supplies for demonstrations and simulations.
As part of the ExCollege course, teams of Tufts students will develop and implement a STEM curriculum in their own once-weekly, after-school apprenticeship taught at a local middle school. This ExCollege course, entitled "Teach What You Love: Become a Citizen Teacher," is designed for students of all academic backgrounds and interests. A science background is not required. Whether you spend your time in East, Halligan, Miner or Barnum Halls, this opportunity is designed to bring students from a variety of disciplines together to find creative ways to engage middle school students in an educational endeavor. Each team of students will have the option to create an original course or teach one of Citizen Schools' pre-made STEM curricula. These pre-made curricula have the entire 10-week apprenticeship mapped out, day-by-day, activity-by-activity and minute-by-minute. Absolutely anyone can teach them! Teaching experience is also not required. Everyone in the course will be trained to be a Citizen Teacher and will be given ample support and guidance before, after and during their apprenticeships.
Former Tufts graduate Joyce Walker, who is now the executive director of Citizens School in Massachusetts, will teach the ExCollege course. Students will also have access to Tufts graduate student Brian Gravel, whose Ph.D research focuses around the issue of science education. This course will be offered for a full pass/fail credit and will only require two class days — one class a week at the Tufts Medford campus and one afternoon a week teaching your apprenticeship — for a total of three classroom hours per week. "Become a Citizen Teacher" is a great course for those interested in education in general, for science enthusiasts or for students simply interested in an unforgettable volunteer experience.
If teaching middle school students how to design and build solar cars or how math applies to everyday life sounds exciting, we encourage you to consider enrolling in this ExCollege course. You will earn course credit, give back to local communities and be a positive role model for a group of middle-school students. Anyone interested in the course or with questions should contact TuftsCitizenSchools@gmail.com and check out the Citizen Schools Web site at www.CitizenSchools.org.
