In August 2006, the National Science foundation funded a small planning grant enabling TERC and the University of Tennessee to show how adults in the context of three community action groups might further their own or their peers’ mathematical and scientific understanding. To begin this work, four researchers have established contact with community groups, two urban, one rural.
The three community groups participating as partners and co-researchers are deeply engaged in scientific and mathematical investigations. Individuals’ and groups’ advocacy are motivated by a commitment to preserve, defend, or improve public health and the environment.
TERC/University of TN collected data on |
BUAC (Boston Urban Asthma Coalition’s parent leaders) |
HAPHI (Haitian American Public Health Initiative) |
BREDL/RC-CAP (Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League and Rutherford County Citizens |
The phase of work in which groups are currently engaged |
Understanding and sharing preliminary findings from a survey of 700+ adults and children in a Boston neighborhood |
Constructing a survey
to determine needs |
Collecting data on the impact of a proposed asphalt plant |
The mathematical, statistical, and scientific questions on group members’ minds |
How to convey findings in a meaningful way? |
What will make a credible sample? |
What factors to consider in collecting
air quality samples? |
Our hunches about the implications and relevance of these topics to other groups |
Groups need ways to share statistics in context or they risk losing meaning and momentum |
Groups have a drive to describe and need tools and tips for collecting meaningful survey data |
Understanding how to counter computer modeling and impact averaging statistics companies use to obscure the daily felt impact of operations. |
The priorities group members’ expressed for communicating about their work to other members or the public at large.
|
Communicate with ratios |
Communicate with raw numbers |
Impress on neighbors and elected officials the potential effects of a proposed plant on environment (air and water), health, community-supported infrastructure (roads) |
For more information, please contact Mary Jane Schmitt (mary_jane_schmitt@terc.edu) or Martha Merson (martha_merson@terc.edu).