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Peer-reviewed article

Social Media Based STEM Enrichment Curriculum Positively Impacts Rural Adolescent Health Measures

April 1, 2018 | Media and Technology, Public Programs
Background: Some STEM outreach programs connect students to real-world problems and challenge them to work towards solutions. Research shows one-third of children between ages 5-17 in the U.S. are overweight. Socioeconomic status, race, and parental educational attainment all influence this issue as well as living in a rural or urban area. A rural high school STEM outreach program used a social media curriculum focused on healthy lifestyles and measured impact on the health of adolescents from these backgrounds. Methods: Health screenings and college mentors were provided to 134 adolescents from 26 counties in WV. The social media intervention lasted seven months with participants using near-peer and mentor support to achieve personal health goals set at the initial health screening. The results of pre- and post-intervention health screenings were compared for any changes in health measures by student goal and participation. Results: BMI decreased significantly in the group of participants who selected a weight loss goal, while those choosing to improve their nutrition significantly increased healthy cholesterol levels. Conclusions: A positive impact was seen on adolescent health outcomes through linking a high school STEM outreach program with a higher education institution to deliver STEM enrichment curriculum through social media.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Ann Chester
    Author
  • Sara Hanks
    Author
  • Summer Kuhn
    Author
  • Floyd Jones
    Author
  • Travis White
    Author
  • Misty Harris
    Author
  • Bethany Hornbeck Sherron McKendall
    Author
  • Mary McMillion
    Author
  • Cathy Morton
    Author
  • Mallory Slusser
    Author
  • R. Kyle Saunders
    Author
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.15695/jo.v1i2.4503
    Publication Name: Journal of STEM Outreach
    Volume: 1
    Number: 2
    Page Number: 1-12
    Discipline: Education and learning science | Health and medicine | Technology
    Audience: Youth/Teen (up to 17) | Educators/Teachers | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Websites, Mobile Apps, and Online Media | Community Outreach Programs
    Access and Inclusion: Rural

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