This summer, about 30 middle-school students from the Tennessee Nature Academy participated in a hands-on exploration of Mill Creek through the T-ReCS camp, led by Heidi Carlone from Vanderbilt Peabody College. The camp fostered a “let-me-see” mindset, encouraging students to explore STEM identities in a fluid and authentic manner. By the end of the camp, most students felt an increased sense of belonging in STEM.
The research aimed to assess how place-based learning could enhance youth engagement in STEM. Camp activities included ecology investigations, community clean-ups, and interactions with local environmental advocates, helping students analyze socio-ecological issues and imagine potential futures for Mill Creek. Their presentations at a Curb Center exhibit showcased their emotional connections to the environment and their agency in addressing ecological concerns.
Students also received STEM “identi-badges” to affirm their identities. Carlone noted the importance of allowing students to narrate their experiences, emphasizing that their identities in STEM are fluid and multifaceted. This initiative aims to provide a rich, engaging educational experience that enhances environmental and scientific literacy.
