Northern Cheyenne Connected Learning Network

Chief Dull Knife Memorial College, Lame Deer MT

Investigators

Abstract

Through efforts and strategies employed during Phase One of the TCUP grant Chief Dull Knife College has seen remarkable results in the area of student interest in, enrollment in and completion of math and science courses. During Phase Two the college will develop a ?connected learning network? with local partner schools and the universities to address several ongoing endeavors begun in Phase One of the TCUP project. The use of research to expose students to STEM careers and the improvement of students' capabilities in gatekeeper courses can have a combined effect of positioning the student for continued success in STEM undertakings. The college seeks to broaden and enhance the accomplishments of Phase One by continuing to offer research opportunities to our students on the university campus, but also to expand these research experiences to the home campus and Chief Dull Knife College. Research concepts, processes, and outcomes will be incorporated into science and math course work at the tribal college. Research findings will be presented by students at national meetings. The research carried out will be shared with surrounding high schools and the university partners through an Interactive Video system linking the laboratories and classrooms at the remote sites. The college will broaden the scope of computer-delivered mastery based math courses delivered on campus, as well as, assist local high schools in implementing a similar methodology for mathematics delivery. Transferring what we have learned in Phase One about math preparation and retention to the high schools and helping them adopt changes can have a huge effect on completion rates and level of ?math preparedness? for incoming college students. Increased preparation results in more choices in all areas of science, technology, and mathematics for the student. The curriculum in math and science at the college will be reviewed and revamped to reflect increased math-science integration. The faculty will also work closely with the Project Director to incorporate research into current curricula in science and mathematics. The college will also continue to offer summer workshops designed to interest students in STEM related course work and careers. Students will interact with instructors from NASA and local faculty on projects ranging from 3D animation and design to Lego Robotics. Throughout the various projects the students and interns will be asked to take on increasingly complex leadership roles with students in other levels of the program. High school students will model for the younger grades, tribal college students will model for high school students and university students will model for tribal college students. Connecting the campuses together through Interactive TV will afford a first foray into this type of mentor/leadership interaction for Northern Cheyenne students. Students involved in research at the tribal college and their high school associates will be able to link with siblings and relatives at the university research labs.