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MCPS Science Volunteer Project
In 2004, the AAAS Senior Scientists and Engineers (AAAS/SSE) decided to partner with the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to implement the MCPS Science Volunteer Project (MCPS SVP). AAAS SSE recognized that a successful project would benefit both MCPS and the scientists and engineers who participate. For volunteers, this initiative can:
- Provide great satisfaction in working with teachers and students to share knowledge gathered in university and professional life.
- Broaden content knowledge, e.g., as a physical scientist assists in life science activities, and a life scientist assists in physical science activities.
- Allow them to contribute to AAAS’s national focus on science education through lessons learned and recommendations to similar organizations across the US interested in establishing K-8 science volunteer projects in their local school districts.
During the development of the MCPS SVP, it became clear that an essential element of a science volunteer project is “ownership” by a local organization that is strongly motivated to improve K-8 science education. It can be a school organization like the San Joaquin County (CA) Office of Education through its volunteer program TOPS, or a science- or engineering-focused organization like AAAS. The connection to a local and/or well-known organization is important for recruiting and identifying new team leaders when necessary and for obtaining administrative support. Project development is easier if it can be fully or partially covered by organization funds, eliminating the need to submit proposals to external agencies.
The AAAS MCPS Project began as a one-year pilot that partnered retired scientists and engineers with middle and high schools. For the 2007-8 school year, there are 28 volunteers in 14 elementary- and 9 middle-schools.
Teachers, volunteers, and students are positive about their experiences, and provided the following comments:
- “Our volunteer comes with great ideas and additions to my lessons. Frequently during a lab, he’ll draw diagrams or graphs on the board and talk with students about the lab.”
- “It is great for the students to see that the things they are learning can be applied in the real world. It has been helpful to have someone who I could go to for information…and who can help with the students’ inquiry projects and the process of planning a well-designed investigation.”
- “I could not do what I do without volunteers. I believe that our scientist has gotten a glimpse of the extreme needs of many of our students. Consistency for these students is so important; I hope he will be able to continue helping us next year.”
- “I spend Wednesdays at an elementary school. My first experience was a blast! I spoke about my career to the teachers and students…, participated in a class lesson and helped during a Science Club project. The teachers are outstanding, and the students bright and eager. The questions and discussions have been amazing. I think I am hooked."
- "My objective is to get [the children] interested in science, get them to ask questions."
- "I like him being so smart. He helps me know what I don't know about science."
- "We get a lot more science, and I get to tell my little brother about it."
- "You get to learn about him and can have fun learning about science."
The following describes how AAAS/SSE developed the MCPS SVP, and shares some helpful information for other retirees or organizations that may want to implement a similar project in their school districts.
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