AISD Student, Teacher From Drew Academy Selected for 2015 JASON National Argonaut Exploration in Bahamas

Karen Thomas and Sharmonei Narcisse (front row, l-r) pose with Principal Earnest Washington Jr. (far left), Xandra Williams-Earlie (c) and Assistant Principal Cynthia Donatto-Blair (far right).

Sharmonei Narcisse and Karen Thomas from Aldine ISD’s [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Drew Academy will have an adventure of a lifetime this summer. [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]JASON Learning named the student and teacher [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]JASON Argonauts. They will study with a team of prestigious scientists as part of a hands-on science expedition in the Bahamas.

AISD student and Argonaut Dejon King (far left) along with other students on board the Nautilus in the Caribbean in 2013.

Narcisse is an eighth grader and Thomas teaches science. Both will spend a part of their summer in the Bahamas in July. They will get to explore underwater ecosystems, caves and underground tunnels. They will also tag wild marine species. These are just some of the research experiments the two will experience. This is part of the JASON Learning Project. The curriculum engages students in scientific exploration through an active learning environment.

JASON Learning selected Narcisse and Thomas through a competitive application process. Each year, only a few teachers and students across the country are selected for this unique opportunity. The work on the expedition will make learning relevant for students. They will learn how they can apply scientific research in real-world settings. They will also learn how to identify invasive species and their impact on the environment. Another goal of the expedition is to teach them about the importance of marine life conservation.

Dejon King walking the Grand-Cayman in 2013.

During the expedition to Cape Eleuthera Institute on the island of Eleuthera, every day will be an adventure. Narcisse and Thomas are among the 30 student and teacher “Argonauts.” They will spend their days on exciting outdoor excursions such as cliff jumping into the Atlantic. The program includes Argonauts taking part in interactive field educational lessons. They will also explore the wide range of the island’s scenic bodies of water. The Argonauts will also act as special ambassadors. They will feature their experiences through blogs, social media, and photos. This will enable other students and the media to follow along on the adventure.

In the Houston area, 11 teams of student and teacher Argonauts are joining JASON Learning. This is part of a collaborative public-private partnership underwritten by Chevron. The energy corporation has made a financial commitment to STEM education. The acronym stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Chevron and JASON Learning Project’s goal is not only to connect students to real science and exploration. Both hope to also inspire and motivate them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Chevron has a vested interest in STEM education. The company hopes the program will excite students to pursue STEM. Maybe a few will one day drive Houston’s STEM economy and Chevron’s future as a vital American energy company.

Dejon King learns to use a device on board the Nautilus.

Xandra Williams-Earlie sees the expedition as more than a unique field trip opportunity. She serves as program director of middle and secondary science in Aldine ISD.

“This is a program to inspire students and teachers,” Williams-Earlie said. “They will become ambassadors of STEM in their own school communities. Each of these students will bring home the idea that STEM is fun and exciting. And they will become role models for others. I hope that all students will aspire to be an Argonaut.“

Dr. Eleanor Smalley is proud of the program. She serves as president of JASON Learning. Smalley also lauds Chevron’s commitment to STEM education. Chevron funds the JASON Project in 12 Houston-area school districts. More than 1,000 teachers have received training. Approximately 100,000 students have benefited from the program. [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Chevron selected Aldine ISD in 2012 to take part in the award-winning program.

JASON Learning Training — Aldine ISD science teachers learn about  resources available to them and students.

“The program connects students and educators with real scientists to teach and inspire a love of exploration and inquiry,” Smalley said. “It also promotes self-confidence, and develops leadership skills. Thanks to Chevron’s vision, the Houston area is developing new ways of teaching STEM. And JASON Learning is happy to be a part of that model.”

A [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]study published in 2014 looked at the early impact of JASON Learning in Houston area schools. Aldine ISD implemented the program in the fall of 2012. The study compared state testing in 2012 and 2013. Early data from 2013 suggests emerging trends. Students have made gains since implementation of JASON Learning curriculum. AISD continuously works with JASON Learning and teachers to adapt to meet students’ needs.

Gains Made in Science by AISD Students

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Increased the percentage of students that achieved a “satisfactory” passing score in STAAR Grade 8 science test taken in 2013 in comparison to 2012.[/li] [li]Increased the percentage of female students that achieved “Satisfactory” passing.[/li][/ul]

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Increased the percentage of Hispanic and African American students that achieved “Satisfactory” passing.[/li] [li]Increased “Satisfactory” passing among specific subgroups:

[ul class=”list list-arrow_blue”] [li]Limited English Proficient students (LEPs)[/li] [li]English as a Second Language learners (ESLs)[/li][/ul]

[ul class=”list list-arrow_blue”] [li]Gifted and Talented (GT)[/li] [li]At-risk students[/li][/ul][/li][/ul]

Narcisse and Thomas look forward to taking part in real science exploration outside of the classroom. Thomas also praises the program. Thomas serves as chair of the Science Department at Drew Academy.

“I am so excited to be a JASON Argonaut,” Thomas said. “But first, I have to praise the JASON Learning curriculum. It engages and motivates students while they learn about science. They better see how they can apply science in the real world. It encourages higher level thinking. For example, students learn to analyze data and make predictions based on data and knowledge. And JASON Learning makes science fun, which is key for students to learn.

“As for being two of the lucky ones chosen for the expedition … I can honestly say that Sharmonei and I are looking forward to a fun and exciting learning adventure this summer.“

This is the [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]second time a teacher and student from Aldine ISD have been selected as JASON Argonauts.

Visit [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]JASON Learning to learn more about its exploration-based program.

Drew Academy is a magnet school. The campus focuses on mathematics, science and fine arts. In 2013, Drew Academy received a [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]School of Distinction Award from Magnet Schools of America.

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