UW Program Brings Real-World Science to Wyoming Classrooms
The University of Wyoming’s Teacher-Researcher Knowledge Exchange (TRKE) program has successfully launched its second year of fostering connections between science educators and researchers. This initiative, held in Pinedale, WY, serves as a bridge between scientific inquiry and effective educational practices in the state.
Connecting Educators and Researchers
The latest TRKE cohort includes 31 members, comprising university researchers, K-12 teachers, and non-formal educators from organizations such as Teton Science Schools and Grand Teton National Park. This diverse group is united under the Wyoming Anticipating Climate-Water Transition (WyACT) project, which aims to integrate localized scientific research into teaching methodologies.
The Genesis of TRKE
TRKE was conceptualized by Martha Inouye, a research scientist and professional learning specialist, alongside Clare Gunshenan, both hailing from the Science and Math Teaching Center at UW. With over 50 years of experience in supporting teachers, they recognized the need to create direct collaboration between research professionals and educators.
Immersive Learning Experiences
The opening event in Pinedale included several immersive field experiences. These included visits to the Civilian Conservation Corps ponds, New Fork Lakes, and New Fork River. Experts from various organizations, such as the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Sublette County Conservation District, contributed their knowledge to enrich these experiences.
Participants gained insights on the role of isotopes in food webs through the expertise of aquatic researchers from WyACT. Additionally, current climate-related data was shared and analyzed, offering educators sophisticated tools for enhancing K-12 science education.
Hands-On Scientific Methods
Field trips and hands-on activities, like stream water quality testing, allowed educators to directly engage with modern scientific methods. This approach not only brought advanced research techniques into the classroom but also provided real-world context to students.
Collaborative Project Development
In the program’s latter half, educators and researchers collaborated to design impactful science projects tailored to various educational levels. These initiatives aimed to spark students’ interest in STEM subjects and make complex scientific concepts relatable to their everyday lives.
Ongoing virtual meetings facilitate the continuous refinement of these projects, focusing on integrating cutting-edge data into educational curricula. Some standout projects include:
- Connecting weather stations across Wyoming to enable K-5 classroom comparisons.
- Incorporating comprehensive climate data into high school syllabi.
- Monitoring local environmental restoration efforts as learning modules.
Future Directions and Expansion
The overwhelming success of the first cohort is exemplified by the nine out of ten teachers reapplying for the second session. The program plans to expand to different regions over the coming years, with planned cohorts in the Green River Basin slated for 2025–26 and the Wind River Basin for 2026–27.
Participating Educators
Educators participating in the current cohort come from a variety of Wyoming communities, including:
- Buffalo: Rebecca Qualm
- Casper: Jennifer Edwards
- Evanston: Josh Cox
- Green River: Megan Allen and Shawna Mattson
- Jackson: Kelli Petrick and Johnson Whippie
- Kelly: Ruby Jenco and Jill Woodhouse
- Lander: Ashley Haratyk
- Laramie: Andrea Hayden
- Pinedale: Jamie Bellian and Liz David
- Rock Springs: Kimberly Harper and Chelsea Lund
- Sheridan: Jules Craft
- UW: Toby Johnson
Conclusion
The TRKE program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between educators and researchers. By bridging gaps between scientific inquiry and education, the initiative offers a unique platform for knowledge exchange. As the program continues to grow, it aims to further enrich Wyoming’s educational landscape, empowering teachers with the tools they need to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Source: https://oilcity.news/community/education-community/2024/11/30/uw-program-bringing-real-world-science-to-wyoming-classrooms/