In a world where experiential education is gaining paramount importance, ASU Prep Digital has taken an ambitious step to offer students an educational trip and unique opportunity to explore Belize. This thrilling adventure, set tentatively to take place from February 28 to March 10, transcends the boundaries of traditional education and aligns perfectly with ASU’s commitment to promoting STEM education and real-world learning experiences. The comprehensive trip schedule will be updated here.
The inspiration for this journey sprouted from the travel musings of Jessica Massey, an ASU Prep faculty member. Her passion for travel was ignited during her high school years when she embarked on an educational trip to Italy. Jessica’s transformation through travel led her to reach out to Bobby, a colleague at ASU, inquiring about the possibility of international travel opportunities. The seed was sown, and soon, ASU Prep students found themselves gearing up for an exciting adventure in Belize.
Building STEM skills through real-world applications.
ASU’s commitment to STEM education is unwavering, and this trip to Belize serves as a testament to that dedication. Stemming from the Vice President’s directive to incorporate more STEM initiatives into the curriculum, the Belize Adventure was conceived to provide students with a chance to experience what they learn in the classroom in the real world and to enhance the ASU STEM curriculum.
The objectives of this trip are twofold. It aims to reinforce classroom learning by exposing students to practical applications of STEM concepts, thereby strengthening the ASU Prep Digital STEM curriculum. For instance, visits to the rainforest and sustainable farms offer opportunities to delve into ecological activities, soil analysis, animal husbandry, and watershed quality assessments—all vital components of a comprehensive STEM education. This adventure also fosters personal growth among students, allowing them to experience a foreign country, manage different currencies, and navigate unfamiliar environments, essential life skills complementing their STEM education.
Furthermore, the trip is designed to spark interest in STEM fields as potential career paths. By immersing students in hands-on STEM activities like underwater transit surveys and reforestation projects, ASU Prep hopes to ignite a passion for science and environmental conservation, nurturing a deeper appreciation for the real-world implications of STEM education. Plus, trips like these can serve as a great addition to a college application. The ultimate goal is to encourage students to explore the possibility of taking college-level STEM courses and pursuing careers in these fields.
Inspiring learners through STEM experiences.
The planning and logistics for this adventure have been meticulously handled through a partnership with EF or Education First, providing a seamless experience for its students. EF has facilitated the enrollment process, travel arrangements, and a comprehensive itinerary, ensuring a smooth journey for students and their families. The overwhelming interest from families underscores the demand for such experiences, emphasizing the increasing recognition of the importance of STEM education beyond the classroom.
To share the students’ experiences during the Belize adventure, ASU Prep Digital will use a dedicated page on a Google site that will serve as a platform for uploading daily pictures and summaries of the activities. A digital archive will encapsulate the essence of their STEM education journey. This digital content will be used to promote ASU’s digital program, showcasing the university’s commitment to providing a holistic K-12 STEM education that extends into real-world contexts.
Jessica and other ASU Prep faculty members engaged in this initiative are eagerly anticipating a remarkable experience to establish educational trips for students as a lasting resource for future generations of students to enjoy.
For more information about ASU Prep Digital, please visit asuprepdigital.org.
