Science on Wheels: A Coherent Link Between Educational Perspectives

We have developed a Science on Wheels Program focusing on precollege students and teachers. This Program, the only one of its kind in Puerto Rico, is unique in the Nation since it is geared towards the almost 100% Hispanic population on the Island. Science on Wheels, as a coherent link between rural grades 7 through 12 education and the university, consists of science demonstration shows, teacher training workshops and the incorporation of demonstrations and hands-on activities by grades 7 through 12 teachers into their precollege chemistry and science courses. In a three year period, over 5,000 students and 300 teachers, as well as general public and administrators, have been exposed to scientific phenomena. An important feature of our initiative is that it incorporates undergraduate students in this teaching process. The undergraduate students have been trained by their professors to assist in workshops and to present the science shows. Science shows were evaluated by a sample of around 450 students. Results indicate that about 90% of these students would like to see more activities of this kind included as part of their science courses. Evaluation of the training workshops by precollege teachers showed that 96% were interested in attending additional workshops, 82% agreed that these topics could be incorporated in their science classes, and 71% felt confident performing demonstrations in their science classes. In spite of this relatively low percentage of self confidence, students showed an overwhelming acceptance, with about 80% of the students giving the maximum rating to the demonstrations presented by their teachers in their science classes. Our results seem to indicate that science shows can help to increase scientific literacy even in those students who will not pursue careers in science. This, together with an effective workshop program for teachers, can improve precollege students' motivation and performance in science classes.