InSciEd Out Foundation

InSciEd Out Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on enhancing science education in schools.

History and Structure

InSciEd Out was founded in 2009 as a collaboration between the Mayo Clinic, Winona State University-Rochester, and Rochester Public Schools. The organization has expanded to include partnerships in various locations, including Florida, Illinois, India, and Ghana.

Mission

The mission of InSciEd Out is to engage students and empower teachers through research-based experiential learning in science. The goal is to ensure every student has access to quality science education, linking it to real-world issues and community needs. By fostering partnerships between teachers, scientists, educators, and the community, InSciEd Out aims to improve health outcomes through enhanced science understanding.

Pedagogy and Programs

InSciEd Out emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based science education. Teachers are trained to develop curricula that encourage student-led research and experimentation. A key component of the program involves the use of zebrafish as a model organism for scientific study due to their genetic similarity to humans and ease of maintenance.

The organization offers tiered internships for teachers focused on science pedagogy and curriculum development. These include a foundational Tier-1 internship covering science basics and inquiry-based teaching methods, and a Tier-2 internship exploring theories of intelligence.

Community Impact

InSciEd Out addresses the science proficiency gap by integrating science across various school disciplines such as English, mathematics, and art. The program's community partnerships ensure that students' learning experiences are relevant and connected to real-world problems.

InSciEdRS View Microscope

In collaboration with Area 10 Labs, InSciEd Out developed the InSciEdRS View microscope. This affordable, user-friendly microscope is designed to make microscopic visualization accessible in K-12 classrooms, enhancing hands-on learning experiences for both traditional and neurodiverse students.

Values

InSciEd Out adheres to core values that emphasize connection to community needs, strong partnerships, continuous learning, embracing change, and equity. These values guide its efforts to reform science education and improve community health through science education.