EnvironMentors Chapter Core Requirements 2012-13 Program Year NCSE-supported EnvironMentors chapter host universities must be a dues paying member to NCSE's University Affiliates membership program. It is also expected that chapter host universities assemble a chapter team including at least one director, one coordinator, and one student liaison1, all of whom can commit to at least one program year. In addition, NCSE EnvironMentors chapters commit to the following goals, strategies, and activities: Program Essentials 1. Chapters to set a student completion goal based on chapter program structure (recommended student target at 8 to 15+). End of the season student retention should be at least 60%2. 2. EnvironMentors programs take place over a minimum seven-month program period (five months of students and mentors paired, and three months of students conducting and analyzing experimental research). 3. Host regular EnvironMentors meetings over the seven-month program period where chapter staff can support student-mentor relationships and projects through programming and events. Core EnvironMentors Experiences EnvironMentors has identified four core areas that encompass the pillars of the EnvironMentors experience that include mentoring, experimental research, environmental stewardship, and college access. The following core requirements have been structured to ensure that students will have meaningful experiences in each of these areas. 1. Pair each student participant with at least one designated mentor per academic year. 2. Regular, in person student-mentor meetings to occur at least three times per month or 3 hours per month for a 5-month period (minimum15 student-mentor contact hours). 3. Conduct at least one mentor and mentee training event for participants. 4. Student completion of inquiry-based experimental research project that includes handson, field, laboratory, and/or social science research and present and communicate their findings.
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This could be a teacher or additional coordinator, preferably someone who will be regularly in contact with students. As evidenced by the number of students competing at chapter fairs.
5. Host skills workshops3 that guide students through development of projects based on application of the scientific method. 6. Organize at least two field experiences over the program year for students and mentors. 7. Utilize college campus and resources to prepare students for college experience.
Program Evaluation 1. Administer pre and post program student surveys and send completed surveys to national office within four weeks of program start and end date. 2. Complete and submit the chapter post program survey before National EnvironMentors Fair. Program Tracking 1. Contact information for chapter director, coordinator, and partner teacher (September) 2. List of students’ and mentors first/last names, contact information, and demographics (October) 3. Number of student and mentor contact hours (monthly) 4. List of student-mentor pairings (November/December) 5. List of students’ general project topics (November/December) 6. List of student names completing the program and presenting projects at chapter fairs (April) 7. List of student names, project titles, abstracts, and a copy of research paper for students competing at the National EnvironMentors Fair (April/May) 8. List of graduating seniors (current class and alumni), graduation status, and college choice (May/June) 9. Student Drop Forms for any student who leaves the program (ongoing)
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Examples of workshops include: Scientific Method, Scientific Writing/Background Research, Experimental Design, and Data Analysis. See Coordinator-Teacher Manual for PowerPoint Presentation Templates.