¡Youth & the Ocean! (¡YO!): Partnering High School and Graduate Students for Youth-Driven Research Experiences

We will present findings from a National Science Foundation-funded pilot project to develop an inquiry-based marine science education program that engaged high school students from groups underrepresented in the sciences. From 2010-2012, the ¡Youth & the Ocean! (¡YO!): Teaming High School and Graduate Students Together for Coastal Investigations project hosted two cohorts (up to 12 students/year). The students participated in a long-term intertidal monitoring citizen science project during the school year as well as a week-long summer residential research program at a university marine laboratory. With goals of fostering interest in pursuing a marine science career and a deeper understanding of the nature and practices of science, the program was designed for high school students to experience an abbreviated version of the full cycle of scientific inquiry, including: generating research questions and hypotheses, conducting literature reviews, collaborating with fellow "scientists", developing and conducting field and laboratory research protocols, analyzing and interpreting data, and presenting findings. Unique features of the project included its youth-driven focus in the generation of science investigations, partnership with a working research laboratory, and graduate student mentors who engaged in substantive professional learning to support the development of youth agency and understanding of nature of science and science practices. Study findings suggest that the program deepened participants' understanding of the nature and practices of science; expanded access to practicing scientists; provided valuable opportunities to explore college settings, STEM fields of study, and STEM careers; maintained or deepened interest in pursuing STEM careers; and influenced commitment to ocean conservation and further learning about the ocean.