• High School/Grades 9-12

Smithsonian Science Education Center’s Smithsonian Youth STEM Exchange connects American and Iraqi youth for collaboration on projects that address the planet. Trained educators use the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals’ guides to give participants a framework for working with their international peers toward science-focused solutions. In partnership with the Iraq Space Center in Baghdad, Iraq, and the Arab-American Museum in Michigan, United States, this virtual exchange contributes to a global network of young people and educators dedicated to working on the biggest global issues of our time, like those found in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Activities

Educators implement a Smithsonian Science for Global Goals guide with participants to deepen their understanding of the Earth by engaging in local investigations and global research through virtual exchanges with their peers using Zoom and Moodle platforms. Participants also explore their own perspectives, background knowledge, and communities. Ultimately, participants work on an issue important to their community. These activities are guided by educators who receive in-depth virtual professional development to familiarize them with the curriculum, the pedagogical approaches, and how to build a Professional Learning Community (PLC).

Program Details