ARMS After School Science Clubs/WISCIENCE
The Adult Role Models in Science (ARMS) program at WISCIENCE develops materials and training workshops for after-school providers and volunteers to lead over 40 after-school science clubs in Dane County. Volunteers and staff members collaborate to conduct weekly science clubs in which children participate in hands-on science investigations. Each club is co-led by an ARMS volunteer (most are UW students) and staff in the afterschool programs. Each club meets weekly and serves 15 to 20 elementary-aged children. A service learning course, "Engage Children in Science," prepares UW–Madison students to lead science clubs. Many clubs also meet over the summer. Over 600 K-8 Madison area children participate in these clubs each year.
Outcomes
After-school science clubs for elementary students are offered at over 40 sites, including schools and community centers. More than 3,000 children have been involved since the program's inception. Retired science teachers document and assess program impact. The program has significant impact at four levels: Children develop positive attitudes toward science, confidence in their abilities and value the importance of science in their lives; UW students develop skills and confidence in their abilities to apply their education to serving the community; after-school staff develop skills to engage children in science; and after-school agencies prioritize science and have a well-structured system of support and coordination of science instruction.