| Title: |
Remote and Hands-On: Informal Environmental Health Science Education in a Socially Distant World |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Fallone, Caitlin M.; Korfmacher, Katrina S.; Brosnick, Lisa; Markowitz, Dina G. |
| Source: |
Journal of STEM Outreach. Jul 2021 4(2). |
| Availability: |
Journal of STEM Outreach. PMB 0367, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. e-mail: jstemoutreach@vanderbilt.edu; Web site: https://www.jstemoutreach.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
8 |
| Publication Date: |
2021 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) (DHHS/NIH) |
| Contract Number: |
R41ES031406; R42ES023706; P30ES001247 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
COVID-19; Pandemics; Distance Education; Electronic Learning; Hands on Science; Science Education; Science Materials; Health Sciences; Environmental Education; Informal Education; Youth Programs; Secondary School Students; Outreach Programs; Public Health; Water Quality |
| Geographic Terms: |
New York (Rochester) |
| ISSN: |
2576-6767 |
| Abstract: |
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for informal health science education, which traditionally involves face-to-face programming. We describe the adaptation of hands-on environmental health science kits for online and socially distanced informal education with diverse audiences. These hands-on science kits were traditionally used for in-person, whole group instruction. Because the kits include all the materials needed to complete the activities, they provide hands-on science experiences without the need for a science lab facility. We developed a logistics plan for online use of the kits, taking into account the use of technology, kit distribution, virtual instruction, and audience engagement. We also developed COVID-19-safe practices for in-person instruction that supported social distancing while engaging learners in hands-on science. The strategic adaptation and creative implementation of these kits allowed us to engage our community's youth in environmental health learning during the isolated and uncertain times of the pandemic. Lessons learned from this experience may inform future efforts to provide remote, interactive informal science education to respond to diverse learners' needs. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2021 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1311218 |
| Database: |
ERIC |