2. LYNBROOK HIGH SCHOOL Creating a Culture of Research Amanda Alonzo, Teacher and STEM Research Coordinator

3. Objectives Why research? Lynbrook High School, then and now Your turn ShopTalk Agenda

4.  Why research? For students and teachers  Share Lynbrook’s journey  Outline the essential strategies to making science “cool” for all stakeholders  Answer questions about my experiences  Develop a course of action with your team ShopTalk Objectives

5. Why research? Lynbrook’s Science Scores on Standardized Tests since research program began have soared! Fig. 1 Percent of students scoring proficient or higher since 2005 on CST

6. Lynbrook: Before 2003 Very limited participation in STEM research – 1 to 2 students entering on their own in regional fair – 1 to 2 students in history of school entering Science Talent Search (ISEF) – No students attending ISEF or STS winners – Teachers reluctant to even sign the required forms – Students didn’t know the opportunities

7. 2003 and 2004 Attended Educator’s Academy -Small team realized value of student research in STEM -Developed action plan based on our goals and addressed our problems from strategies learned -Began implementing action plan developed including… Summer Research Class Worked with middle school feeder

8. Lynbrook: Now Over 60 students participated this year in some STEM Research competition and 20 were recognized at a state, national or international level Have sent at least one student to ISEF each year since 2008 (except this year  ) Won Outstanding School for seven years in a row at the regional fair Over $500,000 in prizes for students, school, and teachers KLIV Radio- CEO Show

9. Lynbrook: Now Nine teachers were mentors Have increased participation in summer research programs 600% Had 12 semifinalists in last three years (50% are girls!) and two finalists in 2010 CBS 5- STS Finalists Interview

10. How did we do it? PLAY PURPOSEPASSION STEM Research Success and Innovation Adapted from Tony Wagner’s book, Creating Innovators, 2012

11. Big Strategies for Student Buy-In  Student generated ideas that are relevant- PASSION and PURPOSE  Voluntary participation- PLAY  Inquiry incorporated in all science courses- PLAY  One-on-one intensive coaching and feedback- PURPOSE – Summer research course (2004 and 2005 only) – Science Club- PLAY – Weekly seminars throughout fair season (descriptions of these posted on Intel Community)

12. Small Strategies for Student Buy-In – Provided lists of research opportunities over the summer on website and in my classroom- PASSION – Include current technology in teaching and learning- PLAY – Wrote LOTS of letters of recommendation-PURPOSE – Involved students in the mentoring of their peers-PURPOSE – Rewarded all students with party and awards- PLAY – STEM Expo- PURPOSE – Announcements for entire school – Used “free press” of student publications consistently – Developed leadership roles with mentoring at feeder school – Success has generated even more interest… Yikes!

13. Staff Buy-in – Dedicated teachers to STEM research had patience and believed- PASSION – Increased professional development to get more teachers on board- PURPOSE – Increased inquiry in classroom- PLAY and PURPOSE – Awarded small stipends for teacher mentoring- PLAY – Acknowledged teachers’ work publicly – Success has drawn teacher interest – Thank you notes

14. Parent Buy-in – Existing strong science background – Access and admission to universities- PURPOSE – Success has peaked even more parent interest and support – Promotes autonomy in students’ science interest

15. Local Research Institutions – Access to upcoming minds – Free/cheap labor – Creative thinkers without obstacles – Get to know upcoming applicants (if a university) – Increase scientific knowledge to add to their work – Thank you notes

16. Obstacles and Challenges – Teacher mindset towards science fairs – Teacher time – Some students underestimate work and time commitment – District funding/money – Now, too much interest

17. Pleasant Surprises So much interest from students!!! Enthusiasm is motivating teachers to increase inquiry in their classrooms Test scores have gone up Such great projects! Continued support from Intel, other funders, parents, our school and district

18. QUESTIONS??? Please see Intel online Community for more information on my program and support documents.

19. Your Turn In small groups (preferably your team) – Determine the current culture around science research in your area What are students’ attitudes towards science? Are students doing research outside of school? In classes? Are parents interested? Do students even know what STEM research is? – Brainstorm strategies that will address each of the stakeholders that need to be involved to include in your action plan Students Teachers Parents Community Local research institutions

20. Special Thanks… Lynbrook High School All my wonderful students and their parents Intel, FUHSD, IISME, Whitney Foundation, Synopsys Outreach Foundation, and all of our funders Former team members: – Rhonda Hardy, Arnold Posada, Mary Fay-Zenk, Anjanette Lundell, Jessica Banchieri, Jerry Haas, Pallavi Shah, Joanne Quan My family for giving me up from Jan- March!