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'Are You Stronger than a Lemur?' An Effective, Interactive STEM Outreach Program for Increasing Anatomical and Biomechanical Knowledge across Diverse Populations

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Bibliographic Details
Title: 'Are You Stronger than a Lemur?' An Effective, Interactive STEM Outreach Program for Increasing Anatomical and Biomechanical Knowledge across Diverse Populations
Language: English
Authors: Melody W. Young, Noah D. Chernik, Stratos J. Kantounis, Matthew J. Cannata, James Q. Virga, Reuben N. Jacobson, Jon A. Gustafson, Aleksandra S. Ratkiewicz, Enkhjin Batbayar, Badamkhand Monhochir, Binderiya Munkhbat, Minjin Bolortsetseg, Carol Weintraub, Stan Silverman, Gabby Guilhon, Edwin Dickinson, Michael C. Granatosky (ORCID 0000-0002-6465-5386)
Source: Anatomical Sciences Education. 2025 18(12):1406-1423.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Descriptors: STEM Education, Outreach Programs, Anatomy, Biomechanics, Learning Activities, Science Activities, Elementary School Students, Secondary School Students, Scientific Concepts, Fundamental Concepts, Evolution, Physics, Data Analysis, Science Process Skills, Individualized Instruction, Program Effectiveness, Foreign Countries, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Data Interpretation, STEM Careers
Geographic Terms: United States, Mongolia
DOI: 10.1002/ase.70012
ISSN: 1935-9772
1935-9780
Abstract: Access to high-quality outreach programs is crucial for preparing students for STEM careers, yet traditional classrooms often lack diverse, hands-on learning opportunities, particularly in anatomy and evolutionary biology. We present "Are You Stronger Than a Lemur?"--an interactive STEM activity that introduces K-12 students to fundamental concepts in anatomy, evolution, physics, and data analysis through real-world applications. Participants formulate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and engage with age-tailored educational materials that support differentiated learning. We assessed the program's effectiveness through pre- and post-program knowledge assessments across 1670 participants (1045 eligible responses) from the United States and Mongolia. Results showed a significant increase in knowledge acquisition in anatomy, evolution, physics, statistics, and zoology. After controlling for confounding variables, we also observed a significant increase in interest in STEM careers. "Are You Stronger Than a Lemur?" bridges gaps in STEM education, particularly in underrepresented fields like anatomy and evolutionary biology, by providing an adaptable program suited to different age groups, genders, and countries. Its success lies in connecting theoretical concepts to tangible data, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills. The program not only reinforces core STEM concepts but also offers students a unique, engaging experience that deepens their understanding and enhances their potential for future STEM careers.
Abstractor: As Provided
Notes: https://github.com/michael-granatosky/Young-et-al_Are-You-Stronger-Than-a-Lemur-/releases/tag/V1.1.2
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1491550
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Access to high-quality outreach programs is crucial for preparing students for STEM careers, yet traditional classrooms often lack diverse, hands-on learning opportunities, particularly in anatomy and evolutionary biology. We present "Are You Stronger Than a Lemur?"--an interactive STEM activity that introduces K-12 students to fundamental concepts in anatomy, evolution, physics, and data analysis through real-world applications. Participants formulate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and engage with age-tailored educational materials that support differentiated learning. We assessed the program's effectiveness through pre- and post-program knowledge assessments across 1670 participants (1045 eligible responses) from the United States and Mongolia. Results showed a significant increase in knowledge acquisition in anatomy, evolution, physics, statistics, and zoology. After controlling for confounding variables, we also observed a significant increase in interest in STEM careers. "Are You Stronger Than a Lemur?" bridges gaps in STEM education, particularly in underrepresented fields like anatomy and evolutionary biology, by providing an adaptable program suited to different age groups, genders, and countries. Its success lies in connecting theoretical concepts to tangible data, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills. The program not only reinforces core STEM concepts but also offers students a unique, engaging experience that deepens their understanding and enhances their potential for future STEM careers.
ISSN:1935-9772
1935-9780
DOI:10.1002/ase.70012