Generation YES

Weyerhaeuser Student Science Leaders Program (WSSL)

Through a grant from the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation, Generation YES is partnering with Mill Creek Middle School in Kent, Washington to establish the Weyerhaeuser Student Science Leaders (WSSL) program, helping Mill Creek students become tech literate while exploring the fields of science, math, and technology.

The Weyerhaeuser Student Science Leaders use the TechYES Science model to ensure that all Mill Creek seventh graders meet the ISTE NETS standards for technology literacy by creating two high-tech science projects, one exploring a science career and one demonstrating their knowledge of a topic in science.

Grant Goals

Increase the ability of teachers to develop project-based learning experiences that integrate and apply ICT concepts, skills applications, and research-based pedagogies in science, so they can help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to participate productively in the STEM workforce.
Increase student interest and engagement in science coursework through the use of technology- infused science projects, leading to increased student academic success in middle school science.
Increase student awareness of and interest in STEM-intensive careers.
Ensure students are meeting state and nationally mandated requirements for technology literacy.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the WSSL model and disseminate findings to enrich the knowledge base about strategies for improving the STEM/ICT workforce.

The first chapter of the Weyerhaeuser Student Science Leaders was established in Mill Creek Middle School in 2009.

Selected students in 7th and 8th grade attended special workshops to be peer mentors and leaders. These Student Science Leaders (SSLs) learn about mentoring, science, and how to help other students with technology projects. The Student Science Leaders meet as a club, while science teachers participated in professional development with Generation YES. Together, students and teachers learn how to benefit from new equipment to help engage all students in authentic 21st century science.

On June 15, 2009, the first group of WSSL students presented their projects to Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation Board members in a special event at the school. Each student received a TechYES technology literacy certificate and recognition for their achievements.

The project is continuing through the 2010/2011 school year and beyond thanks to a sustainability grant from Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation.