February 18, 2015 Molly E Tedesche, Promoting K - 12 STEM education in rural and remote Alaska PhD Student, International Arctic Research Center & Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Promoting K - 12 STEM education in rural and remote Alaska

Molly E Tedesche, PhD Student, International Arctic Research Center & Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Many elementary schools in the United States are not adequately preparing students for higher education science content, and in turn, for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. This may be especially true for underserved populations of students in rural and remote urban communities, such as those found in Alaska. Conventional methods of elementary science education may be less effective for students with unique cultural backgrounds or for those living with fewer resources than their peers, as are many young students in Alaska. As both a volunteer for the Girl Scouts of Alaska Rural Southwest program, as well as a CASE GK-12 (Changing Alaska Science Education) Fellowship recipient, I have worked to bring more science into classrooms and more interest into the sciences, in both urban Alaska (Fairbanks), as well as in more rural settings in the YK Delta and the in interior. As a hydrologist, I have worked to teach the unique importance of water and climate for the people of Alaska to my young students, and they have taught me the importance of applying such knowledge to local issues and culture. This type of education is important for building confidence in young students, as well as for developing critical thinking and leadership skills, so that they can be advocates for themselves and for their communities in the ever changing Arctic. It is my intent that these science education outreach activities will contribute in a small way to building the resiliency of young Alaskan students through education in the STEM disciplines.