Environmental Education Research Projects 2012

Junior Solar Sprints Longitudinal Study

Junior Solar Sprints Statewide

Life after H2

Junior Solar SprintsLongitudinal Research Project

The CompetitionStudents work in teams to design and build solar-powered model carsLearn aspects of renewable energy, physics & engineering Correlated to Core Curriculum Content Standards

2011

2002

Surveys from previous years Measured program satisfaction No qualitative or long-term data

Need to determine long-term outcomes & benefits

Does participation in the program influence educational interests and career paths in the future?

Does participation in the program create opportunities for young women to pursue careers in science and engineering?

Statement of need

Methodology

Follow 263 (10%) participating in 2012 competition over a span of 11 yearsAnnual survey

Qualitative data Quantitative data

Parental consent and school involvementIncentivesAnnual follow-up & reporting

 Study year

 Number of participants Tasks

1 263Survey development -- Initial contact -- Secure participation through

teachers, administrators and parents -- Survey distribution -- Reporting

2 210 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

3 168 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

4 134 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

5 107 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

6 86 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

7 69 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

8 55 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

9 44 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

10 35 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

11 28 Follow up -- Survey analysis -- Reporting

*Projections assume a 20% annual attrition rate

JSS Statewide Success of program is measured by:

Increased participation Positive feedback Nine years of student & school

involvement

Next step is to expand the program

Methodology Focus group

10-12 participants Representatives from each county Mixture of new/experienced teachers and

volunteers

Topics to include Where will a statewide competition take

place? What would the budget include? How will it be organized? How many coordinators are needed?

Why use a focus group?

Centralized, recordable Need for new ideas & feedback Promotes discussion Critical stage in planning Thoughts and experiences of individuals

from different backgrounds

Life after H2

The Competition

Students at the high school level design, build and race hydrogen-powered model cars Annual competition involving several different schools

Methodology Focus group

7-10 participants Mixture of new/experienced teachers and

volunteers

Topics to include What program or event can replace H2?

Is it feasible? What would be the budget for a different

competition? What similar programs or events have been

used before?

Why use a focus group?

Centralized, recordable Need for new ideas Exposure to events previously unaware

of Input from those who will be involved in

H2 replacement