EXcellence in Science Experiential EDucation

2012 Summer Session
Learn More Here

Excellence in Science Experiential Education (EXSEED) is an innovative and collaborative program designed to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in Adventist K-12 schools. It is a partnership between K-12 schools, La Sierra University, Loma Linda University, Pacific Union College, Walla Wall University, and the Pacific Union Conference, with LLU acting as the facilitator.

The goal of EXSEED is to collaboratively support and empower K-12 educators in teaching the STEM disciplines within a Mission-Focused Learning (MFL) context. MFL is an environment that

• Fosters the highest commitment to analytical and critical thinking
• Advocates the highest ethical and professional standards of practices
• Values the creation of new knowledge, and the faithful transmission of best practices within professional and scientific disciplines
• Provides a learner-centered educational environment that facilitates the absorption of knowledge and perfection of skills while blending evidence-based decision-making with transformative learning events ("teachable moments")
• Develops a culture of service, while encouraging the pursuit of wisdom through the example of Jesus Christ who lived to bring hope, healing, and happiness to mankind

Groundbreaking First Session

Over 20 educators and representatives from K-12 schools, La Sierra University, Loma Linda University (LLU), Pacific Union College, Walla Walla University, and the Pacific Union Conference met on the LLU campus to learn, network, and chart the course of EXSEED. They participated in a variety of hands-on activities, tours, labs, and lectures provided by over 46 LLU and LLU Medical Center faculty and staff.

Daily planning sessions were also held. Initial goals for the following areas were developed:

• K-G (Kindergarten through Graduate) collaborative projects
• Elementary
• Masters program
• Teacher intensives (online and face-to-face)
• Summer 2012
• Partnerships with La Sierra University, Pacific Union College, and Walla Walla University

For more information on the participants, activities, and vision from the summer 2011 session, please see the EXSEED Summary (.pdf).

EXSEED Web Portal

An online community was created to support EXSEED collaborators (educators, students, staff, and administrators) in building a rich and supportive social and educational community.

EXSEED Summer 2011 Class

It provides for discussions, the sharing of stories and resources, announcements, and more.

Access. Access to the community is by request and is open to active collaborators who are interested in developing STEM at their schools. By joining, a community member agrees to participate and contribute.

If you are interested in participating, please send a request to exseed@llu.edu with the following information:

• First and last name
• Role (teacher, administrator, student, etc.)
• Institution (school, organization, etc.)
• Collaborative goals (specific STEM project, partnership, etc.)

Contact Information

For questions or comments, please contact:

Office of Educational Effectiveness
Loma Linda University
Email: exseed@llu.edu