CIRL Science Highlights
These highlights showcase the best research underway at the Center for Integrating Research and Learning.
K-12 Camp COVID-19 Alternative: Summer Exploration Series
When COVID-19 eliminated the option for in-person camp experiences, the MagLab pivoted to offer a free virtual Summer Exploration Series instead.
Middle schoolers benefit from long term research experiences
Evaluation of the middle school mentorship program shows that students who participated in this 12 week program have increased confidence and interest in STEM.
Outreach for English Language Learners
To broaden participation in STEM, onsite outreach at the MagLab is now offered in Swahili in addition to Spanish, German and French.
MagLab educators take their lessons to New Mexico
Area teachers learn how to explain magnet research conducted nearby to their students.
2018 Research Experiences for Teachers Program
Ten Florida teachers worked side by side with MagLab researchers during the summer of 2018.
2017 Classroom Visits and Field Trips
The MagLab reached over 10,000 K-12 students in 2017, providing high-quality science outreach to our local community.
MagLab scientists mentor students in outreach
The MagLab is training the next generation of science mentors.
MagLab diversity director setting national research agenda
Two MagLab personnel worked with Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College students during the 2017 spring semester as part of the FSU Noyce Program.
MagLab SciGirls Camp expands to coding
In July 2016, eight middle and high school girls attended the SciGirls Coding Camp, which introduced them to single-board computers called Raspberry Pi.
MagLab at USA Science and Engineering Expo
MagLab educators taught lessons in electricity and magnetism at the 4th USA Science and Engineering Festival.
CIRL director helping set research agenda for women in STEM
The director of the lab's Center for Integrating Research and Learning is among a group of experts creating the future research agenda on women’s underrepresentation in engineering and computing.
SciGirls celebrates 10 summers!
The highlight describes 10 years of the Scigirls summer camp and its impact on participants.
An Investigation in to the Longitudinal Identity Trajectories of Women in STEM
The author examined the longitudinal trajectories of eleven college age young women who had participated in a STEM informal education program during middle school. This study provides a unique addition to the literature in that it provides a view of STEM identity trajectories over time, specifically focusing on how these women maintained interest or lost interest in STEM after participation in a STEM informal education program for girls.
MagLab Middle School Mentorship
The MagLab facilitates a semester-long Middle School Mentorship Program that brings middle school students to work with MagLab scientists on a research project. This program is directed by CIRL’s Outreach Coordinator, Carlos Villa.
Magnet Lab Spooky Science Event
The MagLab holds a Halloween themed event each year in October. This year the event was held Oct. 28. The Spooky Science event brings families to the lab for tours, hands-on activities, and a variety of other events planned by Public Affairs, the Center for Integrating Research and Learning, and scientists at the lab.
SciGirls Summer Camp Introduces Middle School Girls to STEM Role Models
SciGirls Summer Camp is the result of a partnership between the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and our local public television station, WFSU. This camp gives middle school girls the opportunity to work with STEM professionals on hands-on projects. Thirty six middle school students participated in this year's camp, which was held from July 14-25. The girls participated in a number of activities planned by MagLab scientists.
MagLab Summer Camps Feature Robotic World Cup Soccer
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory hosts two one-week co-educational summer camps in June. This year the campers got into the spirit of World Cup Soccer. The MagLab camp teachers facilitated campers' understanding and practical applications of computer programming and robotics through the robots. The final event was a Robot World Cup Match.
CIRL represents the MagLab at the USA Science and Engineering Festival
Staff from the Center for Integrating Research and Learning represented the MagLab in a booth at USA Science and Engineering Festival held in Washington DC held April 25-27. More than 1,500 visitors stopped by the booth over the three days.
The Single Sex Debate for Girls in Science: A Comparison Between Two Science Programs
This study compared the effects of two Magnet Lab STEM informal education programs on students’ STEM identities (particularly as it relates to interest in STEM and perceptions of STEM professionals/careers). The results indicate that both camps significantly improved girls’ STEM identities.