K-12 OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES

Two highly successful outreach programs initiated by MRSEC supported graduate students were continued. The Graduate Student Outreach Program is directed towards K-12 students at the formative years for instilling interest in science. From discussions with local educators it was clear that students on the verge of high school would benefit from hands-on science demonstrations and discussions conducted in their own classrooms. The objectives of this program are to educate students on the roles that polymers play in their everyday lives, to convey the excitement of scientific investigation, to portray a positive image of research and to provide role models. The program was initiated in 1996 and has grown rapidly, already reaching 500 students annually. The presentations given by graduate students are tailored specifically for each hosting class.

A second program, ASPIRE, was developed by 7 doctoral students to provide a series of in-depth lectures and laboratory experiments for high school students considering careers in technical fields. Students are accepted into this program based upon their level of interest and on recommendations from their science teachers. The program consists of 5 four-hour sessions held at the Center on alternate weekends during the spring semester. The MRSEC supports these activities by providing materials, expertise and facilities. If you would like to apply, please download an application from the official outreach website and fax or mail it to:

Gregory M. Dabkowski, Education Coordinator
Polymer Science and Engineering Department
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003

Email: gdabkowski@resgs.umass.edu

Tel: 413-545-0082 (fax)