Introducing the FIELDS Program

Introducing the FIELDS Program

Science education plays a key role in interesting young students in STEM careers and shaping scientifically literate and involved citizens. At the same time, it is increasingly important for university STEM students to develop formal and informal science communication skills to interact with the public. To serve both educational needs, Timberlake is now the focal point of a new program, FIELDS, that has received funding from the Pioneer Foundation. FIELDS stands for “Field-based Interactive Experiences for Learning Disciplines in Science.” The program will train undergraduate science majors to lead authentic learning experiences for grades 4, 5, 6, and 9 students from regional school districts

who visit Timberlake for field trips. Coordinated by the assistant director of Timberlake, Dr. Victoria Chraïbi, the undergraduate FIELDS leaders will learn how to teach scientific concepts using invitational learning and inquiry to foster a love of nature and interest in the scientific process in young visitors. As part of the FIELDS program, Timberlake will release a schedule of monthly field trip programs with topics aligned to state learning requirements with the goal to increase Timberlake’s accessibility and impact as an outdoor learning center for the surrounding area.

If you would like more information on the FIELDS program, please contact Dr. Victoria Chraïbi at chraibi@tarleton.edu.