K-12

The K-12 Project-Based Learning Partnership Program places Clarkson University and St. Lawrence University students in local K-12 school districts to teach science, math and technology. The program uses project-based learning to demonstrate the importance of these subjects and puts their significance into perspective by helping young students solve problems related to their school or community. Past projects have focused on reducing energy consumption in schools and homes or testing the quality of water in the local streams. By taking a hands-on approach to learning, K-12 students learn by doing rather than through lectures and memorization. 

The K-12 Partnership Program was developed with funding from the National Science Foundation, and continued with additional financial assistance from the GE Foundation. GE funds were used to expose more girls and minority students to the diversity of engineering applications. Major additional funding from the National Science Foundation allowed the program to expand in conjunction with faculty and staff from the Teaching Scholar Partnership Program (TSPP) at nearby St. Lawrence University.

The program benefits students and teachers on both ends of the spectrum. While graduate and undergraduate students involved in the program receive three-credit hours and acquire teaching and communications skills, their ability to bring STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts to local classrooms engages middle and high school students in new curricula. In addition, local teachers can update their knowledge of the subjects and form a better understanding of project-based learning.