What are the benefits of WEST?

Benefits to WEST fellows include:

• Improved science communication skills to a variety of audiences
• Understanding of challenges faced by today’s K-12 institutions
• Experience in curriculum development and implementation that will enhance future teaching efforts
• Valuable experience working with peers from various background to develop multidisciplinary strategies for problem solving
• Leadership skills in incorporating K-12 outreach in university research and initiatives

Benefits to WEST teachers include:

• Increased understanding of science concepts and exposure to new science
• Access to university facilities and opportunities including workshops, courses, materials, library and research
• Assistance in helping students achieve standards in math, science, and language arts
• Increased understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of science
• Availability of a highly enthusiastic, highly trained, science expert in their classroom
• Assistance in funding experiments, activities and field trips
• Opportunities for professional development activities such as workshops, seminars and conferences

Benefits to WEST students include:

• Increase understanding of science principles and their application to local environmental issues
• Collaboration and relationships with highly motivated university students
• Increased likelihood of participation in future high-level science courses and careers
• Increased contact hours with real scientists

Benefits to the University of Utah include:

• Increased collaboration and connection with K-12 institutions in the community
• Increased number of students who pursue science, mathematics, and engineering majors, especially from those groups that have been traditionally under-represented in these fields
• Higher quality of teaching from graduate students who have worked as fellows

 For more information on the WEST program please contact Holly Godsey at godsey@earth.utah.edu.