The Science Symposium

ABSTRACT

The University of Montana's Research Education on Air and Cardiovascular Health (REACH) program provides opportunities for high school students to conduct student-designed science research projects (Delaloye et al. 2016;Delaloye et al. 2018;Ward et al. 2016). REACH is an education outreach program designed to support classroom teachers as they facilitate health science research projects related to indoor air quality conducted by their students. REACH participation begins with a summer teacher workshop where interested teachers receive lowcost air quality monitors, background knowledge on air quality concerns in their region (specifically the Environmental Protection Agency criteria pollutant PM25 , particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller), REACH curriculum modules, and training on implementing science research projects with students. Designed by the REACH program's external evaluator, surveys include approximately 35 fixed-response or free-response questions to elicit responses regarding the program's impact on students' interest in science and science careers.