STEM Educationstem1

The Horn Point STEM Center provides research and inquiry-based science education experience for middle and high school students and teachers to increase their knowledge in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.  The program aids student engagement in the STEM disciplines through rigorous, hands-on activities which support school curricula.  It also provides teachers with professional development content in research-based science.

phpoto3Our COSEE Coastal Trends increases literacy in ocean science with a focus on understanding coastal trends through partnerships among scientists, educators and the general public.

Middle and high school students participate in day-long field trips to Horn Point Laboratory featuring hands-on science activities.  The activities draw from current research conducted by Horn Point scientists and extend concepts covered in STEM subject areas.  Each activity meets state and national science education standards.

1) Photosynthesis and Respiration in Submersed Aquatic Vegetation: Hands-on field exercise which explores the importance of light for plant photosynthesis using submersed aquatic vegetation.

2) Ocean Science and Observing Systems: Hands-on field and computer exercise which focuses on utilizing data from ocean observing systems to study the “health” of coastal waters.

3) Animal Adaptations and Sturgeon Restoration: One day field exercise which teaches the importance of environmental factors for animal survival coupled with factors which effect survival in captivity.

4) Wetlands and Sea Level Rise: Field exercise which explores the importance of elevation in marshes as related to sea level rise.

5) Microscopic Life Field Trip: Inquiry-based field exercise which explores the microbial food web and techniques used to identify microbes.

6) Aquatic Dead Zones: Hands-on exploration of the causes and effects of low oxygen waters in coastal systems.

7) Fish and Physics: Activities which demonstrate the importance of physical factors in determining the survival of larval striped bass.

Each module reinforces and extends concepts that are in the middle and high school science curricula.  The modules consist of three parts:  1) Preparation or pre-trip classroom activities; 2) Action (field trip); and 3) Reflection (data analyses and interpretation and follow-up activities).  As the program builds, we will expand the topic areas to include more of the wide range of research conducted within UMCES.

Horn Point Laboratory
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
P.O. Box 775
Cambridge, Maryland 21613-0775
Phone: 410-221-8419
Fax: 410-221-8490
murray@umces.edu