"Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity.
and is the torch which illuminates the world."
-Louis Pasteur
About S.P.A.R.K.S.
Who Does It Seek to Serve?
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The S.P.A.R.K.S. Program helps elementary school children who would otherwise be unable to have STEM-based education outside of the classroom due to financial barriers develop a love of learning science that goes beyond schools.
Why is this program important?
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The S.P.A.R.K.S foundation is important as it demonstrates science, an otherwise intimidating subject, as fun and inviting. Considering this program ‘sparks’ an interest in science for kids, it is important to utilize this program because our children are growing up in an increasingly STEM-based society. “By 2020 there will be more than 2.8 million job openings for STEM workers, yet there is a shortage of workers with the proper educational background in science.” This program may be what gets kids involved and interested in STEM so they can fill this gap.
What services are provided?
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The S.P.A.R.K.S program offers multiple services, such as:
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A Classroom Visitation Program to elementary schools which turn each classroom into a science lab and give students hands-on experience with scientific phenomena
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Virtual classroom lessons and in-person assemblies for schools that are aligned with the current standards and curriculum for elementary science.
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Scholarships for Students Demonstrating Financial Need and a Love of Science
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Science Explorers summer science camps and after-school science clubs.
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Additional Research and Application of Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
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Currently there are no research findings on the S.P.A.R.K.S Foundation in particular. However, there are featured news articles that discuss the program and its science based education for students. Some of these articles are from Reading Eagle, Daily Times, and The Morning Call. There is also plenty of research on the importance of including student-relevant and engaging activities in science curriculums, as its inclusion helps all students began to develop scientific thinking and processing skills, which is exactly what S.P.A.R.K.S. does. Despite the lack of research presented on behalf of S.P.A.R.K.S it does not mean it will not achieve its goals and reach many communities.
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One developmental theorist that can be applied to the S.P.A.R.K.S Foundation and their goals is Vygotsky. Vygotsky believed that knowledge exists before it is known psychologically. In Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, development takes place through expert-novice interactions where the expert shares knowledge with the novice. Knowing this it can be said that Vygotcky’s sociocultural theory explains how the S.P.A.R.K.S. foundation works because the novices, Elementary school students, are taught STEM education by a team of educators, the experts.