Overview

Ruby Jenco, a field instructor, developed this winter video series to connect students with real Wyoming scientists and foster authentic research experiences. Each "Research Day" engages students in hands-on data collection and analysis guided by video introductions from local scientists. Students gain foundational research skills and learn how scientists investigate snow science, animal behavior, and ecological change across Wyoming.

Take a closer look at Ruby's video series project HERE

Goals

  • Get students excited about data collection, synthesis, and problem solving
  • Build student understanding of how scientists form research questions and collect data to answer those questions
  • Engage students in authentic, place-based field research experiences
  • Build connections between K-12 learners and Wyoming's research community
  • Inspire interest in STEM-focused careers

Implementation & Outcomes

  • Each video targets specific grade bands ranging from 4th-10th grade
  • Each video introduces a scientist, background information on a research topic, and kicks off a student-led research project
  • Each field day lasted roughly eight hours
  • Students worked in small, student-led research teams and shared findings with the larger group each evening
  • Future plans include creating a summer research series and more data-driven investigations

Resources & Links

Contact for More Information

For more details about this program or to learn how to incorporate similar activities in your school, please reach out to the TRKE program coordinators.