Find K-12 Programs
The ASE program provides a full work experience beginning with the job application process, and interview skill training for all high school student applicants, leading to competitive selection. Successful applicants are selected and go on to work on-site as apprentices with mentor scientists and engineers from businesses, industries, universities, and government agencies. Applications due in late January, see www.saturdayacademy.org for requirements and contact information.
The brain controls everything we think, do, and feel. You are invited to come learn more about how it learns, remembers, sleeps ... and ponders the mysteries of the opposite sex. Each year, we offer lectures, a brain fair, and events for kids and in the classroom.
Center for Coastal Margin Observation & Prediction Camps and Classes
CMOP, funded through the National Science Foundation, conducts research to achieve a better understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes regulating river-to-ocean ecosystems. Ocean Science Camp (7 - 12 grades) is based on the research being conducted at CMOP. During this two-week summer camp, students travel to Astoria for a day on the Research Vessel Forerunner. During Coastal Challenge (7 - 12 grades), students learn about ocean sciences and other disciplines related to a specific challenge such as an oil spill or tsunamis. Then teams of campers work together to solve the challenge. These camps are offered in partnership with Saturday Academy; scholarships for underrepresented students are available. Classes focusing on the research at CMOP will be offered during the spring of 2008, and will be listed in the Saturday Academy catalog. Contact Karen Wegner at wegnerk@stccmop.org or 503-748-1099
CURE Program (OHSU Cancer Institute)
CURE, in collaboration with the OHSU Center for Diversity & Multicultural Affairs (CeDMA) and the OHSU Cancer Institute, is a program of research mentorship training at the OHSU Cancer Institute designed to offer research experiences to Portland Metropolitan area high school students from socially and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This is a two-summer commitment and students must be in their JUNIOR year of high school when they apply. See www.ohsu.edu/academic/diversity for application or call CeDMA at 503-494-5657.
The Dangerous Decibels project is a public health campaign designed to reduce the incidence and prevalence of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (ringing in the ear) by changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of school-aged children. The project is built upon an innovative collaboration between basic science researchers, museum educators, civic leaders, Oregon and Southwest Washington schools and volunteers in a unique public/private partnership. Partners are the Oregon Hearing Research Center at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), in affiliation with the Portland VA National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, and the American Tinnitus Association.
OHSU's Dental Exploring Program is in its sixteenth year of providing participants with a general perception of what a career in dentistry is all about. Participating high school students have been very enthusiastic about their experience, and many of them have successfully matriculated to dental school. Monthly two-hour meetings are held at the dental school with an emphasis on "hands-on" activities. The first hour is composed of a lecture from dental school faculty from a variety of disciplines, while the second hour is a laboratory experience. Dental students organize the monthly meetings and act as mentors. Space is limited to sixty participants and is reserved on a first come, first serve basis. A complete application, consent forms and $25 fee must be on file to reserve a space. Program begins early November, see www.ohsu.edu/sod/admissions/explorer.html for requirements and contact information.
Discover OHSU! provides educational visits to the Marquam Hill campus for high school and college-age students enrolled in science, health science or health career programs throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. The majority of the more than 3,500 students that participate annually are juniors or seniors in high school. Tours are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from October through May.
Oregon AHEC: K-12 Programs- MedStars is a 4 1/2 day residential summer experience at Oregon Health & Science University. This program is designed to help rural Oregon high school and college students learn about and experience the many career options in health care. The Area Health Education Centers Program sponsors the MedStars Health Careers Honors Experience.
- Club Med: This exciting health careers program meets twice a month with students at high schools in all AHEC regions in Oregon. The program provides students with interactive activities and information about health careers, college preparation, study skills, job shadowing, and internships. For more information contact Oregon Pacific AHEC below.
- Youth Health Service Corps- High school students in rural parts of Oregon are participating in this national program of volunteer service learning and health career topics. Each AHEC region offers YHSC at one or more high school locations.
- Health Career Day: Community partners sponsor a variety of Health Career Day activities in the fall or spring. The goals are to educate students about health careers, let them hear from practicing health professionals, visit with college representatives and talk to healthcare employers. Contact the AHEC in your area for more information.
- MedQuest Health Careers Camp: Each June NEOAHEC brings together nearly thirty high school age youths to attend a five-day residential camp at Eastern Oregon University. Grande Ronde Hospital staff and eighty independent practitioners join with NEOAHEC to provide career education and shadowing experiences for youth. Students from northeast Oregon counties are eligible to attend. Cascades East AHEC provides scholarships to eligible students from their region, please contact Cascades East AHEC for more information.
- Girls in Science: In cooperation with Eastern Oregon University, Girls in Science provides a daylong opportunity for girls in grades 6-8 to explore science, math, and technology through fun, hands-on activities. Contact NEOAHEC for registration and information.
- Great Discoveries: Focused professional Development for elementary and middle school teachers in inquiry based teaching methods for integrated science curriculum. The summer workshop is two weeks of Great Discoveries modules in partnership with Eastern Oregon University.
- In-A-Box curriculum is available for loan to rural Oregon teachers in grades 4-8. Each box is full of explorations in health, science, and careers related to the ear in the ear box, the eye in the eye box, and the brain, in the brain box. Teachers may have the box delivered with a local health professional guest speaker.
Northeast Oregon AHEC - Counties: Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Hood River, N. Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler
AHEC of SW Oregon - Counties: Lane, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Coos, and Curry
Oregon Pacific AHEC - Counties: Benton, Clatsop, Columbia, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, and Yamhill
Cascades East AHEC - Counties: Crook, Deschutes, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake Jordan Valley (Malheur), and Warm Springs (Wasco)
Oregon Institute On Disability & Development: Summer Youth Program
Applications are due late March, see www.ohsu.edu/oidd/summer.cfm for application.
Oregon National Primate Research Center Science Ambassadors Program
(For more information contact Diana Gordon at 503-690-5201 or gordondi@ohsu.edu). High school students in the Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro school districts are eligible to apply to participate in the Science Ambassadors Mentor Program. The program matches high school students with 5th graders from the nearby community. High school students meet weekly at the Primate Center, hearing from scientists about their research and drawing concepts from those lectures to share with their 5th grade “mentees.” They develop age-appropriate, hands-on activities that demonstrate these concepts to the younger students, and carry out these lesson plans during the meetings. Application deadline is October 30, 2009.
Partnership in Scientific Inquiry
The Partnership in Scientific Inquiry class is designed to allow Portland area high school students an opportunity to experience scientific research. The class provides an overview of scientific research and pairs students with an individual mentor. Students prepare a 5-page research proposal that describes work that could be done in the mentor’s lab over the ensuing summer. Please note this program begins in the spring and may continue into the summer if the student and mentor agree to do so. High school credit can be obtained for participation in this upper level class. This class meets every Monday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM on the OHSU campus beginning approximately Feb. 1 and continuing throughout the remainder of the school year. Preference is given to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Students must have no scheduling conflicts that would interfere with attending all classes. The class is rigorous with weekly homework as well as written and oral presentations. Applications for 2009 are due January 26th, 2009.
Saturday Academy offers all students exceptional opportunities for enriched learning by enlisting community professionals to share facilities, equipment and expertise through hands-on classes, workshops and internships. Many of the programs are offered at no cost to students and parents. For more information or to register for classes, please visit www.saturdayacademy.org or call (503) 725-2330.
Science Education Opportunities (multiple programs)
OHSU's Office of Science Education Opportunities (SEO) was formed in February 2002. This office serves the community and OHSU employees as we work to develop and mobilize OHSU's unique resources to increase science literacy throughout the region. Our primary audiences are K - 12 teachers and students and OHSU faculty, students and staff.
Through innovative classroom presentations and course work, Think First's programs are designed to help young children and teens develop lifelong safety habits to minimize their risk of sustaining brain, spinal cord or other traumatic injuries. Most importantly, Think First teaches young people ways to avoid behaviors and situations that put them at risk. Our message is that you can enjoy a fun, exciting life and be safe if you "think first" and use your mind to protect your body.
