Lighthouse Partners Foundation

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY, AND MATH (STEM) PROGRAM VISIT TO PUERTO RICO

2016

Overview• LPC evolved through the workings of friends, family and colleagues coming

together to provide life-changing experiences for youth

• Over 7 years, LPC working in partnership with Dr. Juan Gonzalez of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez has exposed youth to the study of Puerto Rico’s flora and fauna by visiting various locations across the island

• LPC is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that falls under category 501(c)(3)

LP’s Mission

LPC’s mission is to expose youth to areas of science, math, and technology that can potentially lead to careers in Oceanography, Meteorology, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, and other Environmental Sciences

LP’s Strategic Imperatives

• Work with Universities, Federal, State and Local agencies to bridge learning for Students and Teachers

• Work with communities that are underrepresented in STEM fields and motivate them through learning to consider these fields as college alternatives

• Work with Teachers to provide training, mentoring, and STEM-based programs that enhance classroom learning with real-life experiences

• Create programs that provide learning experiences that help youth better understand how their curriculum choices can lead to college and ultimately career opportunities

Alignment with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Objectives

Priority Alignment with Federal STEM Programs  Yes NoTargets communities in and around the greater metropolitan areas of: Washington, DC.; Long Island, N.Y.; Baltimore and Columbia, MD X

 

Engages students in innovative, hands-on learning activities X  

Help teachers improve their teaching of STEM subjects X  

Teaches innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills X  

Focuses on girls and underrepresented minorities X  

Provides opportunities for Teachers and Parents to volunteer X  

Demonstrates measurable change in STEM awareness, skills or education through the use of evaluation systems and appropriate measurement tools X

 

Collaborates with other STEM education providers and/or institutions X  

Demonstrates the ability to move students through the pipeline to more advanced STEM education or careers X

 

Focuses on vocational skills and certifications in engineering technology X  

Our Puerto Rico ProgramLighthouse Partners (LP) foundation participants will experience all the riches of Puerto Rico through the exploration of the island’s flora and fauna. LP’s students will be working with Dr. Juan Gonzalez on several important Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based activities. 

LP’s Purpose

Women and minorities are severely underrepresented in the science and math fields. LP’s goals and objectives are intended to provide student’s real-life’s experiences through hands-on learning by working with Marine Biologist, Dr. Juan Gonzalez and the University of Puerto Rico. This trip consist of STEM-based activities for students with the hope that they will consider stem-based majors as the move on through college into their careers.  It is our belief that through this exposure, at least 20% of our students will choose a STEM-based major when they attend college and deciding their career path.

LSP working in partnership with Dr. Juan Gonzalez of the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has developed hands-on learning objectives that many inner-city youth will never experience

Preparation and Literature Reviews

Literature review: Students will spend time in the classroom reading to understand the fields of meteorology, oceanography, biology, and astronomy. Our learning opportunities will include exercises that expose them to these areas of study and the associated professional opportunities available in these fields.   

Learning Objectives

Learning Opportunity 1 – students will visit Arecibo a municipality on the northern coast of Puerto Rico to tour of the observatory and witness one of the largest telescopes in the world. They will learn about different types of telescopes then compared them to telescopes they will research here in the United States  

Learning Opportunity 2 – students will discuss how climate impacts the fundamental needs of these flowers and shrubs.  They will compare flowers indigenous to the island with other flowers and shrubbery they will observed during various stops to the dry forest, wet forest, and coastal zones

Learning Objectives

Learning Opportunity 3 -- Students will take a boat tour to learn about mangroves, what makes them successful and what causes them stop growing.  They will have the opportunity to touch them, learn about the four types and understand their importance to the ecosystem  

Learning Opportunity 4 – Students visit Guánica State Forest, a subtropical dry forest located in southwest Puerto Rico to examine vegetation and living organisms indigenous to the area. They examine the diverse plant species, of which 48 are endangered and 16 are endemic to the forest

Learning Objectives

Learning Opportunity 5 – Students will visit Cabo Roja to learn how salt is removed from the ocean water and stored. They will also understand the migratory patterns of an assortment of birds that fly through the area. Students will get a chance to see fertile grounds that produce sea monkeys along with how caves are naturally carved off the Caribbean Coast  

Learning Opportunity 6 – Students will take a Boat Trip into La Parguera Biobay one of three bioluminescent bays (bio bays) in Puerto Rico. During the day some students will snorkel and retrieve coral to share with our younger students. Later that night students return so they can understand bioluminescence with conversations with Dr. Gonzalez

2016 Budget• Students (15 to 25 Students) $ 15/25,000• Travel & Lodging• Meals $ 2/3,000

• Chaperon’s (1to5 Ratio)• Travel & Lodging $ 5/7,000• Stipend $ 1/2,000

• Educational Tools $ 3/5,000 (one-time)

• Curriculum Development $ 1/2,000

• Administrative Program Costs $ 1/2,000

• Totals $28 / $46,000

ContributionsLighthouse Partners – your contribution will change a child's life!https://https://www.gofundme.com/2k5ura7hSent payments to: Lighthouse Partners9004 Ina Court Columbia, MD 21045C/o: 2016 STEM Program

EIN: 47-3869720

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