The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt: An Innovative Research-Based Program for High School Students

Area of Science:

• STEM Education
• Science Education Partnerships
• Secondary School Science Programs

Background:

• The School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV) is a partnership between a private university and an urban public school system.
• Established in 2007, SSMV serves 101 students, with 60 graduates from its 4-year program.
• Students participate weekly during the school year and for extended periods in the summer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a research-based STEM curriculum on student learning outcomes.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in fostering scientific inquiry and communication skills.
• To determine the program's success in preparing students for advanced academic and research opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Implementing a research-based curriculum focused on question development, hypothesis testing, project design, data analysis, and results communication.
• Providing a rigorous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) elective curriculum.
• Culminating the program with a summer research internship for students.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated elevated learning outcomes with increased achievement scores compared to a control group.
• The program has produced 27 Intel and Siemens semifinalists/finalists in the last four years.
• Students developed strong writing and communication skills, leading to presentations and publications.

Conclusions:

• The SSMV program effectively enhances student achievement and research capabilities.
• The partnership model successfully provides rigorous, hands-on STEM education.
• SSMV significantly improves students' scientific inquiry, communication, and overall academic performance.