NASA PACE/MSET Program
for High School Students
This program seeks to prepare historically under represented and economically disadvantaged high school students for successful completion of regents' level science and mathematics courses in high school; entry into and completion of post secondary degree programs in scientific, technical and health related fields; and qualification for and entry into the licensed professions and related fields. It will do so by realizing the following three goals: Provide students who have been historically under represented and/or are economically disadvantaged the opportunity to prepare for careers in science, mathematics and technology by participating in project-oriented, inquiry-based, hands- and minds-on science based in real world issues; build a seamless science-mathematics pipeline for students which facilitates and eases the transition from secondary to post-secondary education; and link high school teachers with college faculty and with Bronx Systemic Initiative member schools in planning and delivering science project-based learning and developing alternative assessment techniques.
The underlying concept of the program is to engage students in activities that afford them the opportunity to engage in critical thinking and problem solving through projects in science, mathematics and technology. Through asking participants to gather information on a topic; formulate hypotheses; design research using the concepts of variables and controls; gather data; analyze data; and explain findings, they will be introduced to the beauty and thrill of science through discovery and will be captivated through participation in laboratory experiences of their own design in which outcomes may be predictable but are uncertain.
The areas of study for the 10th and 11th grade high school students to be served by this program will include: Earth System, Physical Climate, and Internet/Technology/Research. Students will engage in sequential constructivist/laboratory projects in the three areas during summer and academic year project sessions and will prepare for an end-of-year science fair and for individual research leading to possible competitive entry. A highlight of our program is expected to be, as always, the Academic Olympic competition. High School 11th/12th graders will participate in a Bridge to College program permitting them to enroll in college courses, tuition free, during the academic year and summer semesters.
Finally, evaluation of the project will emphasize use of alternative assessment procedures such as use of student portfolio assessment, including, lab journals; lab reports; library research papers, and selected school work; pre-post/long term tracking of program participants; anecdotal reports of program staff, coordinators, counselors, group leaders; comparison of general, science and mathematics academic achievement with matched sample as well as comparison of the following: attendance in program and in school; standardized test and regents scores; PSAT/SAT scores; rate of progress toward graduation; college entrance, as well as type and status of college; and level of scholarship support.
To see the summertime newsletters produced by our program choose them by date published.
July 3, 1996, July 11, 1996, July 18, 1996, July 25, 1996
July 3, 1997, July 10, 1997, July 17, 1997, July 24, 1997
July 9, 1998, July 16, 1998, July 23, 1998, July 30, 1998
July 9, 1999, July 15, 1999, July 22, 1999, July 29, 1999
July 7, 2000, July 13, 2000, July 20, 2000, July 27, 2000
July 6, 2001, July12, 2001, July 19, 2001, July26, 2001
July 3, 2002, July 11, 2002, July 18, 2002, July 25, 2002
July 3, 2003, July 10, 2003, July 17, 2003, July 24, 2003Curriculum link
Summer 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004Slide Show
11/5/01 presentation (for any browser)
11/5/01 presentation (works best with Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher)
Project Director - Dr. Anne Rothstein
Project Manager - Phyllis McCabe
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Last Updated July 29, 2004 by Roz Krakowsky
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Visit our STEP program site for information on a
related math-science program for high school students.