K-12 Education & Enrichment: Science & Technology
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Schoolchildren are naturally curious about their world, and the Neighborhood Partnership is devoted to giving them the tools to explore it. That’s why Duke experts in math, science and technology go to partnership schools and neighborhoods to share their knowledge and their passion for discovery.
BOOST (Building Opportunities and Overtures in Science and Technology)
Medicine and biotechnology are high-paying career tracks where minorities are under-represented. BOOST is helping to change that. Duke was one of 19 institutions nationwide to win $538,000 over four years from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to launch the campaign. In the first summer, fifth- and sixth-grade teachers identified students, planned new lessons, learned exciting teaching techniques and plugged into Duke resources. The BOOST Program has since received another $749,000 from HHMI to expand the program through 9th grade. Additional support to add another 25 students was received from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.
Neighbors served: Teachers and fifth- and sixth-graders at Githens and Rogers-Herr Year-Round middle schools and at E.K. Powe, Forest View and Lakewood elementary schools
Launched: 2004
Partners: Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham Public Schools, N.C. School of Science and Mathematics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Duke contact: David Stein at david.stein@duke.edu or (919) 668-6271
Gateway
During a one-week summer workshop at Duke, middle school and high school students visit labs and other campus destinations, then create Web pages for each. This is no empty exercise -- the students are creating Duke’s Web guide to field trip opportunities on campus for area teachers. The impressive Gateway site includes video interviews, photos, key information for trip planning and the students’ impressions of each destination.
Neighbors served: Teachers and students in area schools
Launched: 2003
Partners: Duke University, Durham Public Schools
Duke contact: David Stein at david.stein@duke.edu or (919) 668-6271
MUSCLE (Math Understanding through the Science of Life)
To some students, math seems like an abstract exercise on a sheet of paper. MUSCLE shows them that math is really a powerful tool for solving problems and learning about their world, especially combined with science. Twelve Duke engineering and applied science students spend 10 hours per week at partnership schools as role models leading hands-on exercises. MUSCLE seeks to increase the number of students who pursue scientific careers.
Neighbors served: Students at partner schools Lakewood Elementary and Rogers-Herr Middle School, Duke students who serve as tutors/teacher assistants.
Launched: 2001
Partners:Durham Public Schools, Pratt School of Engineering, General Electric Fund
Duke contact: Gary Ybarra at gary@ee.duke.edu or (919) 660-5220
Technology
To build essential computer skills, students need plenty of chances to work with computers. So Duke, the Durham Public Schools, area churches and community centers teamed up to bring more computers and technology training to low-income Durham neighborhoods. More than 350 surplus computers have been installed in partner schools, community centers and churches with the help of grants from partner businesses.
Neighbors served: seven partner schools and Hillside High School; five community centers (Crest Street, West End, West End Teen Center, Lyon Park Recreation Center, King's Park Life Center) and four churches (St. John Baptist Church, St. James Baptist Church, Northside Baptist Church and Mount Olive A.M.E. Zion Church), plus J.J. Henderson Towers, Preiss-Steele Retirement Center, Oxford Manor, Ronald McDonald House of Durham, Genesis Home and the Durham Literacy Center
Launched: 1996
Partners: Duke Office of Community Affairs, Duke Office of Information Technology, Duke Office of Training and Organizational Development, Duke Libraries and the United Way Team Tech Project, Pepsico, AT&T and IBM
Duke contact: David Stein at david.stein@duke.edu or (919) 668-6271
Science Resource Center
Some 480 students per year get charged up about science at this center at E.K. Powe Elementary. The center also serves as a hands-on science and technology lab for teachers throughout Durham, giving them extra training and ideas to plan science lessons in their classrooms.
Neighbors served: Students at partner school E.K. Powe, plus Durham teachers who train at the lab and their students
Launched: 2001
Partners: Duke Office of Community Affairs, Durham Public Schools, Home Depot, and the N.C. Museum of Life and Science
Duke contact: Treva Fitts at sunsista@aol.com or (919) 560-3963
