Science Saturdays: A Simple Science Outreach Model to Achieve Broad Impact
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Science Saturdays: A Simple Science Outreach Model to Achieve Broad Impact Ainissa G. Ramirez Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
Abstract The National Science Foundation (NSF) evaluates grant applications based on two criteria: intellectual merit and broader impact. The broader impact criterion (BIC), or the science outreach criterion, is intended to connect science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research to the general public, and has grown in its relevance for successful grants. A method to increase the competitiveness of a grant application and, in turn, the quality of science outreach programs is to suggest successful science outreach models for connecting scientists to the public. Science Saturdays is a fun science lecture series for the general public that is a simple, scalable, and transferable model. Its main mission is to introduce participants to excellent communicators of science and to shatter stereotypes about those who do science. It aims to inspire and motivate children as they traverse the STEM pipeline by emphasizing that science is fun. This paper discusses the elements needed to create this outreach program and the lessons learned from its development.
Corresponding author email: [email protected]; [email protected]
I. Introduction The National Science Foundation evaluates grants based on two criteria: the intellectual merit and the broader impact. The first criterion must describe how the scientific work will advance knowledge. The second criterion is intended to connect the resulting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research to the general public. Here researchers must provide “means to disseminate their results widely, to engage public and K-12 audiences, to broaden the participation of under-represented groups, to provide professional development to teachers and early career researchers, to enhance infrastructure for research and education, and to explore the potential societal benefits of research activities.” [1] Be that as it may, this broader impact criterion (BIC), or the science outreach criterion, has recently been under some debate,[2] since a number scientists have voiced that they lack the resource of time and skill in engaging the public. [3] NSF’s broader impact criterion is an honorable request. In our technologically driven society, it has become increasingly important for citizens to be scientifically literate. However, there are several indicators showing that US science literacy is low. [4] Access to science outside of the classroom is tantamount to increasing science literacy. It has been found that the top performing students in science get involved in science-related activities outside of school. [5] Many science museums and science centers can serve as these pathways to science. The increased involvement of scientists in science outreach has become part of the national discussion with a recent request by the White House [6]. For some researchers these opportunities a
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