Young Scientist Academy Teacher Mentorship Program

By Jennifer Wiggen, Senior Educator

We had an incredible time with the Young Scientist Academy (YSA) during their new teacher mentorship program called Teach STEM.  This program allowed Title I teachers from GLOW Academy, Rachel Freeman School of Engineering and D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy to spend the week with YSA and the BHI Conservancy while also earning continuing education hours in their content areas.

During their week and time on Bald Head Island, they learned how to elevate their curriculum with hands-on research-based activities while exploring the unique ecosystems the island offers! On Bald Head Island, they were able to develop lesson plans that align with the new NC Science Standards and focused on how they can get their students outside. 

On their first day, the teachers did everything from:

• measuring the thermal profile of the beach
• collecting water samples
• analyzing water quality data
• performing plankton tows
• using quadrats to measure maritime forest plant density
• reviewing graphing and other quantitative skills to examine data 
• and exploring the microscopic world with digital microscopes.                                                                                                                                                  

On the teachers’ second day with us, they brought their students with them and led them through the activities that we did together on Day 1! They explored Bald Head Island, collected and analyzed samples, and observed native flora and fauna, all while appreciating the natural world around them. We can’t thank the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Women’s Impact Network of New Hanover County and United Way of the Cape Fear Area enough for supporting our work with these teachers and students!