Memphis STEM-M Ambassadors

Research shows that teaching primary literature in the classroom can increase students’ inquiry and critical thinking skills and promote a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and the nature of science [1-3]. When research is presented by scientists, students report feeling that the research being studied is more authentic and relevant [4]. Exposure to scientists can also work to dispel misconceptions about who scientists are and who can be a scientist [5]. Yet, many youth in Memphis, TN lack access and opportunity to engage with scientists and high-quality STEMM education, and many scientists lack the skills necessary to effectively communicate science to high school students. To address these gaps, we propose the Memphis STEMM Ecosystem Scientists Communicate Research to Students (MemSCoReS) Program, a new program that couples science communication professional development with high school outreach in the form of a virtual science journal club. This will include development, implementation, and evaluation of 1) the MemSTEMMbassadors Program, a professional development opportunity to enhance scientists’ science communication skills, 2) the Virtual Science Journal Club, a scientist/classroom partnership to expose high school students to scientists and primary literature, and 3) the Primary Scientific Literature in the Science Classroom Teacher’s Guide, a guide to provide teachers with structures to help integrate primary literature into their science classroom.