BACK TO THE EARTH students, nature and science

Story by Allison R. Stormo

A $1.1 million National Science Foundation grant that has brought science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to youths living on the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane reservations is entering the final year of a three-year project.

Through the ITEST grant (innovative technology experience for student and teachers), the project Back to the Earth (BTTE), led by Associate Professor Anne Kern, a partnership was formed between the College of Education faculty, University of Idaho Extension, educators and community members from the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane tribes. The BTTE project has developed and delivered STEM-rich, place-based, after-school and summer programs for students in grades fourth through sixth from the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane reservations.

The BTTE project creates and implements hands-on projects that are culturally relevant and teaches youths how STEM activities are connected with real-world settings. Among the activities, students have learned

Back to the Earth

water quality testing, observation and identification of plants, animals and rocks, as well as had discussions surrounding the environment, bodies of water and the impact of land use, with the ultimate goal of learning about guardianship and stewardship for the local environment.

“Ultimately, this program aims to build students’ capacity to participate in the STEM workforce, as well as gain a sense of membership and ownership for the community,” Kern said.

This summer, 80 students from the two tribal communities will focus on the theme of “Sharing Space.” For two weeks, students take part in an overnight camp — a week in the Spokane reservation and a week in the Coeur d’Alene reservation. The students from each community will create programs and projects to share their heritage with students of the neighboring community. In addition, students will participate in an engineering design challenge to build teepees utilizing natural materials that were used by their elders. Past challenges included building a fish weir, canoes and fish smokers.