School Engagement Projects as Authentic, Community-Based Learning for STEM Undergraduates

Capstone projects provide key learning opportunities for STEM undergraduates to consolidate knowledge gained over the life of their degree. These projects typically reflect lab- or fieldwork-based research, which can exclude students who do not wish to pursue these career avenues. Here we deployed School Engagement Projects (SEPs) as an alternative to provide an authentic, community-based learning experience to STEM undergraduates wishing to develop their skills in science education and/or communication. This report aims to highlight the extent to which SEPs can provide such an opportunity, with the opinions of various stakeholders, including STEM undergraduates and participating schoolteachers, gathered by focus groups and surveys. Analysis of transcripts demonstrates an overall positive impact and revealed the benefits of these projects in preparing students for teacher training courses through increased educational knowledge and experience. These projects make for effective alternatives to traditional capstones, and an opportunity for local science outreach.