Education and Outreach
One mission of 500WS and the Alaska Pod is to to engage in outreach with middle school groups to expose them to a diversity of careers in STEM, serve as female role models, and supplement their science curricula with hands-on activities based on our own research.
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500 Women Scientists matches scientists living and working in Alaska with teachers and students of any grade from around the state to help enhance STEM education and opportunities for exploration, discovery, and research. Teachers can request classroom visits from local scientists, or, if classrooms and scientists are in different locations, virtual classroom visits are possible through video-conferencing. At 500 Women Scientists, we strongly believe in the power of STEM education as a means to empower students with critical skills to succeed in the future, and wish to help make STEM fields more accessible at all levels through building connections with the education community through these education and outreach efforts.
Teachers:
The goal of the program is to promote positive experiences between Alaska’s scientists and Alaska’s teachers and students, and meet scientists that smash the stereotypes. We want to make science accessible to students across the state, and perhaps encourage students to become scientists themselves!
If you are interested in having a scientist visit your classroom, either in person or virtually, please begin the process by accessing the “Request a Scientist” form to begin the process. You will be asked for information that will help us make the best scientist match possible for your needs, such as your students’ grade level and what topic you would like covered. Scientists can assist by enhancing current topics being covered in your classroom, or can discuss their current research, or discuss STEM careers, what training was necessary to become a - with a scientist if you are interested in something very specific. Our expertise covers a broad range, and that range will expand as our group grows, so you will have many options!
Once we have processed your request and have found a match, that scientist will email you at the address provided in the request form. This direct line of communication will allow you and the scientist to plan the visit, which can be tailored to your class length and needs.
Scientists:
Our goal is for Alaskan students and teachers to have a positive experience with scientists, provide an interactive experience for students and get them excited about science. By registering for 500 Women Scientists’ Request a Scientist program, you are playing a role in making STEM topics more accessible to students across the state.
You can request to hold a session by yourself or with another scientist but once you are matched with a classroom it is up to you to make it your own! If you have questions or would like advice about holding successful classroom visits, please feel free to contact us, we are here to help and make this experience fun for everyone!
