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Lovelace Science Academy (LSA) is a collaboration between the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute (LRRI), one of the nation's premier biomedical research institutions, and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), the largest school system in New Mexico. This inquiry-based program serves six middle schools and their students within APS, whose student body predominately is composed of groups underrepresented in the field of science. LSA is designed around specific pedagogy to develop scientific literacy, foster a sense of curiosity, and promote "habits of mind" in students who lack the opportunity to engage in challenging, inquiry-based scientific investigations. Family and community outreach is strengthened with parent and community involvement in the science education of children.
The project serves 160 middle school students in each of the 5 years (total of 800 students) from 6 high-poverty, predominately Hispanic, APS middle schools that have failed to achieve Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Student Activities consists of both a summer program (SP) and an after-school program (ASP) for students attending 1 of 6 middle schools in southeastern Albuquerque. The SP consists of 2-week sessions accommodating a total of 80 students each summer. Each 2-week session focuses on one topic. The SP curriculum, which was developed during the previous funding period, uses a problem-based learning strategy focused on respiratory infectious diseases, the effects of smoking, and air pollution. All activities conducted during each investigation are inquiry-based and some mimic actual laboratory experiments conducted in the participating scientists' laboratories. The ASP consists of 4 8-week sessions (2 concurrent sessions per semester) accommodating a total of 80 students each school year. The ASP focuses on how to maintain a healthy respiratory system. During the ASP, the students discover the effects of altitude on the lungs, the effects of exercise on the lungs, and tests that doctors can perform to assess the health of the lungs. From these topics, students gain an understanding of the scientific method, the use of appropriate lab equipment, and proper experimental design. The LSA curriculum prepares students to meet challenging National Science Education Standards, which form the basis of the New Mexico State Science Standards.
Family and Community Outreach Activities consist of 2 components: Family Science Nights (FSN) and Science Career Nights (SCN). The FSN provides hands-on activities for students' families and the community at each of the 6 participating middle schools. Activities during these evenings relate to respiratory health and disease. The SCN is an LSA-sponsored evening event at each of the 6 participating middle schools to educate participants and their families about science careers. During SCN, scientists, laboratory technicians, and educators speak to students and their families about science as a career and how to prepare for it. Parents receive information on appropriate high school courses for students to take in order to continue on a path to college, especially towards a career in science.
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