Driven to Discover for youth programs

Who is it for?

The program is geared for youth age 10-14 and their adult guides in settings such as nature centers, museums, summer and after school programs, community education, and club settings (Scouts, 4-H). The Facilitator’s Guides provide background information and teaching tips so anyone with a passion for helping youth do science can be successful.

Flexible format

You can implement the Driven to Discover in a variety of formats. The club meeting structure is adaptable to different meeting lengths and time frames – from a 2 week intensive to a 5-12 week program with weekly or bi-weekly meetings. The instructional materials are designed for at least 25 hours of contact time with youth participants.

Whatever the program format, the Driven to Discover process follows a three-step approach. First, youth learn the science skills related to the citizen science project they will undertake. Then they practice protocols to contribute to a citizen science project. Then, based on their experiences in the first two steps, they conduct a science investigation of their own choosing. All this takes place in the context of a positive team learning environment. Curriculum materials support all the components.

Curriculum

The Driven to Discover curriculum is a step-by-step guide for implementing this full-scale program in your setting. With activity instructions for teachers and adult leaders and companion materials for youth, these resources coach you through the process of using citizen science experiences as a springboard into full science investigations.

We offer two versions of these resources. One set includes details on implementing the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project; the other set includes details on implementing the eBird citizen science project. All contain resources on the process of science and engaging youth effectively.

All versions of the curricula contain:

• Facilitator’s Guide with lesson plans for developing the necessary science skills for studying the subject of the chosen citizen science program.
• Instructions for collecting and submitting data for the respective citizen science project.
• Step-by-step guidance for planning and implementing science investigations with helpful background information on the process of science.

We then have resources for the specific setting in which you will be leading the program. The curriculum for youth programs also includes:

• Additional resources for non-formal settings (nature centers, museums, etc.), such as tips adult leaders can use to foster positive learning environments, how to prompt scientific thinking, and advice on how to start a Driven to Discover club in your area.
• The Investigator’s Field Journals, a cross between a workbook and a lab manual, with youth-appropriate reflection exercises and worksheets for implementing citizen science and investigations.

Benefits to the organization

Driven to Discover can help your organization meet your STEM learning goals.

• Youth discover the wonders of science in the real world, beyond a textbook.
• Adult leaders build skills to engage middle school youth in citizen science and inquiry-based investigations.
• You can be creative to fit this flexible model into your existing program structures.
• Youth develop a stronger science identity—a perception of themselves as scientists.

What the organization needs to provide

• Adult leaders. One or two for every 10 youth, ideally with youth facilitation skills and a base knowledge of science content. Adult leaders can be teachers, environmental/naturalist educators, youth program staff, or volunteers.
• Meeting location with restrooms, internet access, instructional supplies and sufficient natural resources to conduct the citizen science project.
• Recruitment of youth participants.
• Printouts of the Facilitator's Guide and one copy of the Investigator's Field Journal for each youth participant.

How UMN Extension can support you

All Driven to Discover curriculum materials are available for free. Download them today and get started on your own. Or let us help prepare adult leaders in your organization to work effectively with youth. We offer:

• Personalized coaching to help you adapt the materials for a citizen science project of your own choosing.
• In-person or web-based training by a curriculum professional for the adult leader(s) on how to implement the program.
• Regular check-ins with the leader(s) to provide ongoing coaching.

Please contact us for estimated costs for custom training and coaching.

How to get started

• Download the curriculum and read page 20 of the Facilitator’s Guide for a full list of tasks to prepare for program implementation, such as identifying a suitable meeting site and gathering materials.
• Let us know how we can help you! For questions or to request an estimated cost for training and coaching, please contact Andrea Lorek Strauss, Extension Educator, Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Education, astrauss@umn.edu.
• Recruit adult leaders and youth, and start doing citizen science!