Designing an AgSTEM Club for Afterschool Learning
Item
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Title
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Designing an AgSTEM Club for Afterschool Learning
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Creator
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Jacob Brasuell
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Degree Name
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Master of Science in Education: STEM Education
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Project Type
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Professional Project
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Date
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6/15/2025
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Abstract
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This professional project explores the design, implementation, and impact of an AgSTEM (Agriculture, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Club at Waldo Middle School in Salem, Oregon, a Title I school serving a diverse, high-need student population. Recognizing the lack of structured after-school opportunities for students not involved in athletics or other extracurriculars, this project aimed to provide a hands-on, engaging learning environment rooted in real-world agricultural challenges and STEM applications. Grounded in the principles of project-based learning, computational thinking, and culturally responsive teaching, the 10-week program introduced students to topics such as soil science, irrigation systems, environmental monitoring, and agricultural technology. The project aligns with MSED learning outcomes, including interdisciplinary curriculum design, equity-focused instruction, and the integration of academic standards such as NGSS and ISTE. Literature supporting this initiative highlighted the importance of early STEM exposure, workforce readiness, and student-centered learning. Outcomes included increased student engagement, collaboration, and interest in STEM-related careers. This professional project contributes to the growing body of work advocating for innovative, inclusive, and future-focused educational models particularly those that connect local industry, sustainability, and underrepresented student populations through after-school programming.
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Committee Member
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Kenneth Carano
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Randall Ulveland
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Jaclyn Caires-Hurley
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Rights
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Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/20/2025, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
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https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
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License
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CC-BY (attribution)
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Language
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eng
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Type
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Text
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Identifier
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JacobBrasuell_PP_2025
