About the Project
The Push Forward Skate Science Day event taps into the unique qualities, worldview, and interests of local youth skaters to add a ‘wow-factor’ and peer mentorship to community STEM learning. We have formed a partnership with the City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation department and the Stillwater Skate Park Association to transform the local skate park into an informal STEM learning environment. It is our common goal to situate STEM learning within the natural interests, common experiences, and sense of play associated with parks and out-of-school activities. The City of Stillwater is now renovating the Skate Park at Strickland Park, click the link to learn more and follow the progress. The videography and photography for the Push Forward Event were produced by Caleb Jones, a student in the School of Media & Strategic Communications at OSU.
Push Forward in the News
https://news.okstate.edu/articles/education-health-aviation/2018/stem-in-the-parks.html
Project Co-Directors
Dr. Nicole Colston
Nicole Colston is assistant research faculty in the School of Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences in the College of Education, Health & Aviation . As Assistant Dean of Outreach and Communications, she oversees online courses, study abroad, and many noncredit programs, as well as leading the communications efforts for the College. Dr. Lewis holds a BS in Applied Communication at Appalachian State University, an MA in Communication Studies from the University of Miami, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Oklahoma State University. Prior to joining the faculty in the College of Education, she was a National Science Foundation (NSF) Science, Engineer, and Education for Sustainability (SEES) Fellow working in coordination with scientists and engineers on drought resiliency in the Department of Geography in CAS. Her research focused on formal (school science, 4H) and informal education (community meetings, citizen science) to support climate literacy and adaptation in rural settings.
Colston has been affiliated with the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Center for Research in STEM Teaching and Learning (CRSTL), as both graduate researcher and research faculty, for six years. During that time, she worked on several related projects, including but not limited to the following projects: She directed the Lake McMurtry Outdoor Adventure Camp for four weeks in June 2018. Campers made STEM connections, while having fun outdoors. A new theme was introduced each week: nature observing, park science, outdoor skills and wild arts. Campers aged 7-12 took advantage of all that Lake McMurtry has to offer, including hiking, swimming and fishing. Colston was also the project coordinator for the "NextGen: Engineering is Everywhere” video curriculum design focused on Career Awareness and Engineer Role Models. This interdisciplinary project involved designing, creating, and testing age-appropriate video content for middle school students that highlighted specific applications of math and science in the work of engineers. She has published numerous articles and book chapters in the area of STEM Learning.
Dr. Bobbi Kay Lewis
Bobbi Kay Lewis is an associate professor in the School of Media & Strategic Communications in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). As Assistant Dean of Outreach and Communications, she oversees online courses, study abroad, and many noncredit programs, as well as leading the communications efforts for the College. Dr. Lewis holds a BS in Advertising, an MS in Mass Communication, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Social Foundations of Education, all from Oklahoma State University. Prior to becoming assistant dean, she served as associate director of the School of Media & Strategic Communications.
Lewis worked in the media and advertising industry for 10 years before joining the SMSC faculty in 2004. Her research interests include social media, experiential learning, strategic communication, and promoting STEM education through strategic communication. She has published numerous articles and book chapters in these areas. She has been nationally recognized for efforts as a faculty advisor to student organizations. Lewis co-directed the Energy Communication Camp, a hands-on learning opportunity for high school students to explore a career that combines the science of energy with the art of storytelling.
Sponsors
In addition to the College of Arts and Sciences Community Engagement Grant, the Skate Science Day event was made possible through the help of the following sponsors:
