Meeting Abstract

P2.64  Saturday, Jan. 5  Graduate Partners in Science Education: A graduate student-led program focused on hands-on science education for middle school students SEYMOURE, B.*; BORCHERT, J.; LESSIOS, N.; LIGON, R.; GANESH, T.; WEBBER, A.; Arizona State University; Arizona State University; Arizona State University; Arizona State University; Arizona State University; Arizona State University brett.seymoure@asu.edu

Graduate Partners in Science Education, is a graduate student run program that focuses on the development and implementation of inquiry-based modules at Title I schools in the Phoenix metro area. We have implemented two different models over the 8 years of our program. One model had a low student to mentor ratio (4:1) and focused on middle school students developing their own science projects. The other model had a higher student to mentor ratio (12:1) and focused on curricula development and implementation at multiple middle schools. There are advantages and disadvantages of both model systems. Here, we discuss these costs and benefits in an attempt to provide information for individuals interested in developing outreach programs focused at underrepresented groups in the sciences.