Lemon Grove Middle School Teams with SDSU

Article courtesy Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education

Future educators from San Diego State University and middle-schoolers from Lemon Grove are scheduled to partner to learn from each other through LabZone, an innovative program out of SDSU’s Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education.
 
Now in its third year, LabZone is a service-learning outreach initiative designed to give future educators a place to learn theories in math and science education while engaging underserved youth.
 
“LabZone enriches the experience for underserved middle-schoolers in San Diego while, simultaneously, providing SDSU students with the opportunity to design and implement their own ideas of engaging math and science activities without limitations of a day-to-day curriculum, energizing them for the possibilities of a future in education,” said Alexander “Sasha” Chizhik, professor of educational psychology and faculty member of CRMSE.
 
LabZone runs from 2-3 p.m. Wednesdays and from 3:15-4:15 p.m. Fridays at Lemon Grove Academy at 7866 Lincoln Street to view the program’s impact firsthand.
 
Each week, the 25 SDSU students enrolled in Sci 250, the 3-unit LabZone course, will design and test engaging games and activities in an SDSU lab before heading to Lemon Grove Academy of Sciences and Humanities to implement the activities with students.
 
“It’s important that we expose youth to the wonder and ubiquity of math and science in their lives as they begin a journey toward their future careers,” said Dr. Chizhik.
 
“I am incredibly pleased with our partnership with SDSU and CRMSE. The LabZone has had a positive impact at Lemon Grove Academy, providing students with opportunities to engage in real world math and science learning,” said Rick Oser, principal of Lemon Grove Academy of Sciences and Humanities. “In addition to the authentic learning opportunities, our students have developed relationships with the SDSU students who often serve as mentors, guides and champions for academic success during middle school and beyond.” 
 
LabZone is a collaborative effort between CRMSE, the Colleges of Sciences and Education at San Diego State University, the Lemon Grove School District, Subaru of America Foundation, Inc. and Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation.