Authentic Community Engagement in Science (ACES)

  • Project Description

    The Authentic Community Engagement in Science (ACES) Project has the goal of exposing students and the communities of Eastern Montana to STEM and biomedical concepts and careers, helping them recognize and understand the pathways to future biomedical employment. The ACE goal is accomplished through collaborations with local educators, biomedical professionals, and community members to develop a customized multimedia biochemistry stage show, as well as a culturally relevant, place-based STEM curriculum. The curriculum engages students with local community members involved in biomedical and STEM work, the show ignites a passion for learning which then paves the way for solving local issues using biochemical and STEM skills and knowledge.

  • Abstract

    The Atomic Circus Experience (ACE) Project has the goal of exposing students and the communities of Eastern Montana to STEM and biomedical concepts and careers, helping them recognize and understand the pathways to future biomedical employment. The ACE goal is accomplished through collaborations with local educators, biomedical professionals, and community members to develop a customized multimedia biochemistry stage show, as well as culturally relevant, place-based STEM curriculum. The curriculum engages students with local community members involved in biomedical and STEM work, the show ignites a passion for learning which then paves the way for solving local issues using biochemical and STEM skills and knowledge.

  • Dissemination Strategies

    The outcomes of the ACES Project will be disseminated through a number of means including local, regional, and national conferences, peer-reviewed publications, and a publicly available website hosted by Montana State University Billings. The ACE Advisory Board will also assist in the dissemination of project outcomes and findings to their respective areas of expertise.

Project Audience

The ACES Project targets 5th-grade students and communities in five unique rural areas of Montana

Subjects Addressed

The ACE Project exposes rural students to the principles of biomedical research, and Montana-relevant biomedical career options through collaborations with partner sites, STEM professionals, and educators to develop classroom curriculum and activities that correspond with a customized multimedia show.