An Atmospheric Scientist in Every Florida School

An integral part of enhancing pre-college engagement with atmospheric science is empowering K-12 educators to collaborate with a diverse network of professionals. The Scientist in Every Florida School (SEFS) program was launched in 2019 to address several outstanding challenges in Earth systems science education. The primary mission of SEFS is to engage Florida K-12 students and teachers in cutting-edge research by providing science role models and experiences. In doing so, it is also aimed at promoting self-efficacy in K-12 science teaching and learning, improving connections between the K-12 and higher education communities, and honing scientists’ skills in effective and accessible communication to broad audiences.

We first provide an overview of SEFS, including its development, structure, evolution, challenges, and ways to get involved. Then, we review the progress that SEFS has made in its first five years in promoting weather, water, and climate education and literacy. Within this, we first describe the growth of the SEFS database – both the pool of atmospheric scientists and the diversity of schools that have connected with these scientists. Next, we present the growing set of programs and resources that SEFS has developed for scientists, teachers, and students. Finally, we discuss an additional utility for the academic community: the potential to partner with K-12 outreach programs like SEFS for Broader Impacts components of grant proposals.

Reference

Abramowitz, B., M. Ennes, S. Killingsworth, P. D. Antonenko, B. MacFadden, and A. Ivory (2021). Science in school: Transforming K-12 outreach through scientist teacher partnerships. Journal of STEM Outreach, 4, 1-14, doi:10.15695/jstem/v4i1.14.