Fall Course: ALS4932 - Mentoring the Scientific Process (Mentoring Middle School Students)

ALS 4932: Mentoring the Scientific Process 

      We are looking for 20 undergraduates with a science background (1 year of chemistry and biology) who are interested in motivating, mentoring, and helping underserved 6^th graders with their science fair project over the fall of 2017. A commitment of a minimum of 20 hours of community service learning in addition to the 2-credit course is required.

You would be required to attend all classes throughout the semester on Wednesdays from 4:20 until 6 p.m.; additionally, you must also be able to attend the second class from 4:20 until 8 p.m. on August 30 (dinner will be provided). Classes are held at Westwood Middle School. Undergraduates participating in the program must have their own transportation to the middle school (2 miles from UF Campus).

      This is the 14^th year that students at UF have partnered with Westwood Middle School. Data from our program show that the amount of time and number of visits the undergrads made to the middle school made the biggest impact on how well the 6^th graders did in science class and on their science fair judging scores. The 6^th grader's FCAT reading and writing scores, GPA, and race were not significant contributors. This means that YOU have the power to make a 6^th grader successful, if you make the commitment to help.

      The course, which will guide you through the research process and help you develop mentoring skills, is attendance based, so it is imperative that you attend every class. If you are interested in participating in this program (for 2 credits), please contact the instructor.

Course Instructor:

Bobbi Langkamp-Henken, PhD

Room 309 Food Science and Human Nutrition Building

henken@ufl.edu