Terrascope Youth Radio

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

This project proposes creating a program in which urban teens will develop, report, write, produce and host a regularly broadcast radio program on environmental and Earth-system science. A goal of the project is to reach other urban teens with STEM information in a format that they see as relevant, interesting, and exciting to instill in them a sense of empowerment and knowledge about environmental and Earth system science. The project would create a model for how universities can become engaged in local youth communities broadening the impact of work done by their own researchers. The project brings together a unique set of partnerships including a research university (MIT), city-sponsored youth programs (Cambridge, MA); a local public school system; a national radio network; an established youth radio organization; a nationally-broadcast science news/talk radio program (Science Friday); a web-based organization specializing in the distribution of independent radio programming, and experienced evaluators of informal-learning programs (Goodman Research Group). Guidance in understanding complex environmental issues will be provided by faculty, staff and students of the pre-existing MIT Terrascope program. Participants will see their work distributed nationally, both on air and as podcasts delivered via the Science Friday media site.