Science in Action'': An interdisciplinary science education program Page: 1 of 6
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"Science in Action": An Interdisciplinary Science Education Program CONF-9111111--2
L. L. Horton DE92 002051
Metals and Ceramics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory*
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6118
Science in Action is an education outreach program for pre-collegiate students. It is based on the concept
that, in order to interest students in science, they must see science and scientists at work. The program
encompasses the full range of scientific disciplines - the core sciences, engineering and mathematics. A -
unique aspect of the program is the involvement and support of scientists and engineers representing local
professional societies, industries, businesses, and academic institutions.
The first "Science in Action" program took place during National Engineers' Week in 1990; the second
expanded program at the same time in 1991. "Science in Action" is part of the annual WATTeC
conference in Knoxville, TN. The WATTeC conference is a week-long technical conference sponsored by
a consortium of local professional/technical societies. The theme for the past several years has focussed on
"competitiveness." Since the education of our young people is an essential part of "being competitive," the
educational program was a natural outgrowth of the conference.
For the 1990 program, "Science in Action" was a two-day program specifically targeted to middle school
students and was held in a multi-story building, the Candy Factory, at the World's Fair Site in downtown
Knoxville. We wanted to reach students before they made the fatal decision to drop out of the advanced
mathematics curriculum in high school. On each day of the program, 6 middle schools were invited to
bring 40 students and teachers. Although only 5 of the schools were able to attend on the scheduled days,
because of the enthusiasm for the program, the attendance on the first day neared 300 and on the second
about 250. The middle school teachers and administrators were thrilled that someone was finally having a
special program for them....they were really appreciative.
In 1991, "Science in Action" expanded to four days and moved to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Towers, also located in downtown Knoxville. The move permitted consolidation of the program on a single
floor of the building. However, because of the size of the auditorium in the TVA Towers, attendance was
limited to about 200 students each day. The first day was devoted to elementary school students. Small
groups (5 students and a teacher - a "car load") were invited from the elementary schools in the
surrounding cities and counties. Over 30 schools were able to participate. The second and third days
followed the 1990 middle school format (although we reduced the number of students invited from each
school to 30); nine middle schools participated. The final day involved small groups of 8 to 10 students
from the 15 high schools. For this program, we did not design the program for the top few students in the
school; these students have many opportunities to visit Oak Ridge National Laboratories and other local
technical businesses. Instead, we specifically targeted students who are interested in science but are not
currently considering it as a career. The program emphasized the broad range of potential careers in
science and engineering-related fields.
"Science in Action" Presentations
The goal of the presentations is to be highly interactive. We want the students to have some "hands on"
experiences and to leave with a good feeling about science and engineering. To present a broad spectrum
of role models, scientists and engineers were involved as presenters, guides, and exhibitors. Presentations
for "Science in Action" followed the format: Keynote Presentation followed by Small Group Presentations
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Horton, L.L. Science in Action'': An interdisciplinary science education program, article, January 1, 1991; Tennessee. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1059644/m1/1/: accessed May 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.