Improving Science Literacy in East Cleveland

A major problem in polymer science is sustainability and recycling. A key to improving these areas is public education. In Cleveland and many other communities recycling fails due to non-compliance. Cleveland also has an incredibly low literacy rate with studies estimating 66% of Cleveland adults are illiterate. By working with GED programs in the Cleveland area we hope aim to build trust in the scientific community by educating them on the basics of STEM with a focus on polymer sustainability. These classrooms present a unique environment with students ranging from 16-60+ years old, most of whom have not sat in a classroom in over a decade. With this wide range of age and intellectual ability we must carefully draft lessons and arrange teachers so that the class can advance on schedule with individual students not feeling held back or left behind. A key to this has been incorporating hands-on labs into the classroom setting, this is an experience is uncommon in GED programs and aids students who struggle in a normal class setting. Using Madeline Hunter style lesson plans, low student to teacher ratios and labs we have worked to improve STEM lessons in these programs. With the help of volunteers from the CWRU Macro department we have established a successful outreach program brin,ging labs about density, plastics recycling, statistics, and other STEM subjects to these classes. Overall, we have shown that introduction of hands-on labs has not only helped aid in education but increased the students enjoyment of classes.