MENTORED PRACTICUM IN STEM PUBLIC SERVICE

INTEGSCI 640

Discusses the fundamentals of public service and civic engagement in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines grounded in evidence-based knowledge and research. Provides an overview of the core pathways of public service, the knowledge required to effectively initiate and cultivate community partnerships, and the skills necessary to reflect upon personal experiences with community engagement activities. Fosters understanding of the broader impacts in STEM fields and prepares students to begin specializing in a specific pathway and develop relationships with a community partner.

INTEGSCI 740

Provides opportunities for practical application of public service knowledge. Discusses development of a workplan for long-term projects, provides strategies to initiate community partnerships, and fosters development of materials for use in a community-based practicum. Includes time to work intensively on acquiring pathway-specific knowledge and skills and opportunities to practice, problem-solve, and support cohort members within and across public service pathways.

INTEGSCI 140

A discussion-based seminar introducing first-year STEM students to the world of public service from the perspective of both the university and its community partners. Classroom activities and direct campus and off-campus experiences are included. Service opportunities include STEM outreach, sustainability, and public health. Involves approximately 1 hour per week of public service.

INTEGSCI 240

Teaches students about community engagement experiences, focusing on building community partnerships, understanding organizational missions and community needs, assessment of informal science outreach experiences, and issues related to scientific literacy and access to science.

INTEGSCI 341

Apply communication, cultural competency, and leadership skills to work with community partners in a service learning practicum. Work with underrepresented students in the Madison metropolitan area in elementary after-school science clubs, and critically reflect on the ties between their academic and community partnerships, and differences between campus and community culture. Work with different community partners than they did in previous Service with Youth in STEM courses. This practicum combines the service experience with an in-class component to prepare to provide opportunities to critically reflect upon the ties between academic preparation and community partnerships, and on their experiences in varied community settings.