Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences

Science-Teaching and Education Program (DEEPS STEP)

The outreach program works in partnership with Providence Public School Department (PPSD) to develop and bring Earth Science lessons into local elementary classrooms.

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Science-Teaching and Education Program (DEEPS STEP)

The outreach program works in partnership with Providence Public School Department (PPSD) to develop and bring Earth Science lessons into local elementary classrooms.

DEEPS has been actively involved in science outreach with Providence public schools since early 2000. From 2007-2014, a NSF GK-12 grant (PI:Prof Tim Herbert) supported the work of 9 graduate students involved in science lesson development and teaching in several local public schools. After the grant’s completion, DEEPS graduate student volunteers continued the outreach work at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School.

With the introduction of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in Rhode Island schools in 2016 our program was re-designed under the leadership of the program’s coordinator, Olga Prilipko Huber, to focus on the goal of assisting PPSD teachers in their transition to NGSS and the three dimensions of learning.

From 2017 to 2021 we developed quarter-long, multi-lesson (16-19hrs) Earth Science Modules for grades 2-4 that are aligned with grade-specific NGSS and are centered on inquiry-driven science learning. We strove to make the science lessons engaging, creating a supportive learning environment that encourages both students and teachers to ask questions and experiment as they learn about Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences. Our volunteers co-tough the Modules with participating teachers in three Providence public schools (Vartan Gregorian, Pleasant View, and Martin Luther King) on a rotating basis. Each year ~30 members of our department (graduate and undergraduate students, postdocs, and faculty) get involved in the program.

In the academic year 2022-2023, Providence elementary and middle schools will transition to a new and unified science curriculum (Amplify). DEEPS STEP’s new goal will be to assist teachers in their transition to this new material and increased science-teaching load, focusing on Earth Science teaching.

How the Program Works

Our program is designed to help teachers introduce Earth Science modules in their classrooms over the course of two years:

Participating teachers and DEEPS STEP coordinators meet prior to the start of the academic Quarter to go over the lesson plans and teaching strategies.
DEEPS STEP volunteers co-teach the lesson plans with the teachers once a week for 8 -10 weeks and prepare and supply the materials needed for the activities. At the end of each lesson, teachers and volunteers will make notes on what worked during the lesson and what can be improved.

Participating teachers and DEEPS STEP coordinators meet prior to the start of the academic Quarter to go over the lesson plans and teaching strategies.
Participating teachers take the lead in teaching the Earth Science Module, with DEEPS STEP volunteers acting as support. DEEPS STEP volunteers provide and prepare materials for the lessons each week. At the end of the lesson, teachers will give feedback on the lesson to the volunteers.
After the completion of the two-year program, DEEPS STEP stays in contact with our Alumni Teachers to provide support for science-related questions that arise during the lessons. We are also happy to organize guest scientists to come speak with students and to talk about our research.

Our Goals

Assist PPSD teachers in transitioning to Amplify science curriculum and bringing Earth Science lessons to their classrooms.
Help improve access to quality science education for Providence children, particularly for children from disadvantaged socio-economical backgrounds.
Offer a teaching and community-oriented experience to Brown grad and undergrad students, postdocs, and faculty.

How Our Program Works

Our program is designed to help teachers introduce Earth Science modules in their classrooms

How:

Participating teachers (4^th grade) and DEEPS STEP coordinators meet prior to the start of the academic semester to go over the ES Amplify lesson plans and teaching strategies.
DEEPS STEP volunteers assist teachers twice a week for 6-8 weeks during the Earth Science Amplify module. At the end of each lesson, teachers and volunteers will make notes on what worked during the lesson and what can be improved.

Participating schools:

Fall 2022: Vartan Gregorian Elementary 4^th grade (2 classrooms)
Spring 2023: TBD

Brown University volunteers:

We welcome all undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and faculty interested in working with Providence public school teachers and students. All volunteers will be offered a 1-hr introductory workshop and preparation prior to volunteering in the classrooms. You can volunteer as little as once or as much as you feel comfortable with throughout the academic year – no help is too small.
If interested please email Olga Prilipko Huber, Program Coordinator.

Who We Are

DEEPS STEP Coordinators

DEEPS STEP coordinators work in tandem with the program manager, Olga Prilipko Huber, to organize and develop our work. They develop Earth Science Modules, work with Providence teachers co-teaching in elementary grades, train DEEPS STEP volunteers and much more. Our coordinators are the backbone of the program, keeping it vibrant and engaged.

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DEEPS STEP Volunteers

Brown University graduate or undergraduate students, postdocs and faculty – DEEPS STEP welcomes anyone who is passionate about science education and helping bring it to Providence elementary students. Whether you want to give it a try, can commit only a few hours, or are a seasoned DEEPS STEP member teaching over several months, we need you and are happy to welcome you to the program.

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Providence Teachers

DEEPS STEP partners with Providence Public School teachers who work with us to bring Earth Science lessons into their classrooms. We are continuously humbled and inspired by the dedication, energy, patience and kindness of the teachers we are fortunate to collaborate with.

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Providence Students

Children are the main reason all of us join forces to improve Earth Science education in our community. Quality education is the stepping stone for future possibilities and thriving, and we want all Providence students to have access to it, regardless of their socio-economic background, neighborhood or origin.

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Interested in Teaching and Outreach?

Every person counts. Help us make a difference, one lesson at a time. Whether you have previous experience in working with children, teaching and mentoring or whether you have never done it before and would like to give it a try, DEEPS STEP would love to have you.

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