Biocore Outreach Ambassador Program
The Biocore Outreach Ambassador (BOA) Program was founded in 2004 by UW-Madison Biocore undergraduate students to promote an authentic, research-based approach to science education in rural Wisconsin school districts with limited resources. Ambassadors have worked with several K-12 teachers in the Wisconsin Heights, Waunakee, and Deerfield School Districts to develop and implement inquiry-based science lessons. Ambassadors also organize two free Family Fun Science Nights each semester in rural schools, teach an after school science club at the UW-Madison Mazomanie Outreach Outpost (MOO), and partner with the Wisconsin Heights School District and UW-Madison instructors to teach a week-long Summer Science Camp for 4-12th graders.
Outcomes
UW-Madison Biocore Outreach Ambassador students volunteer their time to work with Dane County K-12 teachers to develop engaging, inquiry-based lessons that help students learn science through doing science. Ambassadors serve as excellent role models for young students who may otherwise not have considered science as a potential career focus. Each June since 2007, between 50-60 4th-12th grade students participate in our week-long summer camp in the Wisconsin Heights District where they work in small groups to ask and investigate their own testable question. Since 2009, we have offered four Family Fun Science Nights each year to numerous rural school districts surrounding Madison, and have run an after school science club at the MOO.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Michelle Harris
Associate Faculty Associate
- Department/Unit
- Biology Core Curriculum (Biocore)