Teens Exploring and Achieving in Math and Science (TEAMS)
Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley
Catalyst
“They not only showed the students what science is all about, they showed that it is possible for women, and women of color, to succeed at it.”
Visiting scientist Michele Manos of Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research works with youth from Cinnamongirls through the TEAMS program.
On a recent Saturday in Berkeley, Michele Manos, Rose Murphy, and Claudia Cruz from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research turned a group of young people into medical detectives, helping track down the cause of a serious epidemic. The epidemic was simulated as part of a youth program at the Lawrence Hall of Science, but there was nothing make-believe about the enthusiasm of the students discovering that science can be fun.
“It was great, really great,” said Cruz. “A few of the kids disliked science before we worked with them, so this was a first for some of them.”
Manos, Murphy, and Cruz are volunteer teachers with the TEAMS (Teens Exploring and Achieving in Math and Science) program at the Lawrence Hall of Science, which invites young people between the ages of 11 and 18 to learn about math and science. On this particular Saturday, TEAMS hosted visitors from Cinnamongirl, an organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls of color. But forget any images of students dutifully sitting in a stuffy classroom. Learning through TEAMS is hands-on, active, and fun.
While one team of medical lab researchers tested mock blood samples from affected patients, another learned how to take samples from living animals without harming them, and how to sample mosquitoes to understand how disease spreads. A third team interviewed infected patients to learn how to trace the epidemic back to its source. When each team’s work was complete, the group drew its conclusion: West Nile Virus.
Manos, who used to teach creative drama for children, says it was great fun combining her experience as a teacher and a scientist to engage the students. But the lesson was more than that science can be fun. Naomi Stein, the TEAMS leader, says the three teachers gave the girls something even more valuable, according to youth development research: role models.
“The fact that three very busy professional women took the time . . . to help these students understand science made a big impression,” Stein said. “They not only showed the students what science is all about, they showed that it is possible for women, and for women of color, to succeed at it.”