INQUIRY IN THE COMMUNITY

~A New Kind of Science Experiment~

Seattle University and Girl Scouts of Western Washington have been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to build girl’s scientific literacy through inquiry-based learning.

Our collaboration will develop an innovative new model for science learning in youth programs.  The project is designed to increase the use of science inquiry among Girl Scout Leaders.  Both Girl Scout leaders and facilitators will be trained to deliver this new inquiry-based science to girls ages K-3 in environmental science, wildlife biology, and botany in a manner which makes scientific questioning and exploration integral to the girls’ experience.

The three main goals of this project are:

• Increase involvement of adult volunteer Girl Scout leaders in science by inspiring them to see themselves as science learners and discover the connections between the science disciplines and everyday life.
• Empower adult volunteers to comfortably engage in science inquiry strategies and thus, effectively facilitate learner-centered science exploration with groups of girls.
• Pilot a model that creates culture change within an existing program delivery system and builds the capacity of a community organization to develop the scientific literacy of youth.