Research Education and Cardiovascular Health (REACH)

National Institute of Health Grant #: 1 R25 GM129849-01A1 Science Education Partners Award

Aim 1: Citizen Science. Develop authentic research experiences using novel PM_2.5 and heart rate monitors with a new focus on cardiovascular/population health. We will: 1) using the NGSS framework, develop and implement new inquiry-based curriculum modules within the classroom focused on research methods design, cardiovascular health, and population health, 2) incorporate novel PM_2.5 air sampling and heart monitor technologies into the program, and 3) employ an interactive database across the network of schools focused on data quality and data sharing.

Aim 2: Science communication. Build student skills, confidence and interest in science by providing opportunities for students to translate their research findings to different audiences. Students will design and deliver presentations about their CAHHP research and experiences in one or more of the following settings: 1) classroom/school presentations, 2) community events, 3) the annual CAHHP Symposium, and 4) state science fairs.

Aim 3: Student mentoring. Provide engagement and mentoring activities that support student research and expose students to careers in basic and clinical medical research. Through a virtual research support platform for CAHHP students, we will provide feedback and coaching to students as they design and implement their research studies. Our team will also collaborate with health professionals from the International Heart Institute of Montana and the University of Montana Health and Medicine initiative to provide in-class presentations and webinars, as well as engage students through job shadow opportunities that expose students to careers in the biomedical sciences.

Aim 4: Teacher professional development. Provide multiple learning opportunities for teachers and pre-service teachers in order to facilitate their understanding of biomedical concepts and their successful implementation of the CAHHP model with students. Each year we will conduct summer and fall workshops for CAHHP teachers and pre-service teachers, as well as facilitate ongoing teacher contact events throughout the school year.