Project Update: GEAR UP Collaboration Launches Data Collection with FieldScope!

We are excited to share a significant milestone for the Spinning Salmon Project: the launch of Year 4 of student-driven data collection in partnership with the GEAR UP STEM Rural Valley Partnership! This collaboration is energizing students with 21st-century tools, empowering them to explore salmon ecology while supporting GEAR UP’s core goals:

1. Boosting academic performance and preparation for higher education
2. Increasing high school graduation rates and college enrollment
3. Expanding student and family awareness of college options, preparation, and financing

FieldScope: Connecting Classrooms with Real-World Data

Through FieldScope, students have a unique opportunity to engage directly with data collected in their classrooms and across schools involved in the Spinning Salmon Project. They log information on salmon growth, water conditions, and more, uncovering patterns and comparing findings with their peers. This platform transforms data collection into an active process of discovery, analysis, and interpretation—fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for future success in higher education and beyond.

Building Skills for the Future

One of the core goals of both the Spinning Salmon Project and GEAR UP is to cultivate 21st-century competencies, particularly data literacy. By working hands-on with data, students learn how scientists monitor ecosystems and use data to inform environmental decision-making. These experiences build academic confidence in STEM subjects and prepare students for the rigor of college-level coursework while also highlighting the real-world applications of science.

Inspiring Career Pathways

The partnership with GEAR UP underscores the importance of career exploration in STEM fields. Students are not only learning about salmon ecology but also connecting with professionals through guest speakers, mentorships, and field experiences. These activities open doors to career pathways in fisheries science, environmental management, and data analysis. By engaging in authentic scientific inquiry, students are inspired to see themselves as future scientists, conservationists, and leaders in sustainability. This is directly aligned with GEAR UP’s mission to broaden students’ horizons and prepare them for meaningful futures.

Advancing Equity and Opportunity

This collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to equity in education. By integrating innovative tools and authentic learning opportunities, the project ensures that students from underserved communities have access to transformative STEM experiences. The Spinning Salmon Project creates a pathway for students to not only meet academic benchmarks but also envision themselves succeeding in higher education and STEM careers.

What’s Next?

As students begin collecting and analyzing data, their findings will directly contribute to NOAA Fisheries’ stock assessments—a vital component of managing salmon populations and habitats. This real-world connection gives students a sense of purpose and places their work within the larger context of environmental science and decision-making. Early data is already coming in, and we can’t wait to see how students use FieldScope to uncover trends and insights about salmon development and ecosystem health.

Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing highlights of student discoveries, reflections, and project milestones. For more information about the Spinning Salmon Project and this exciting partnership, visit the Spinning Salmon webpage where you can also find the project resources. Together, we’re celebrating the power of collaboration, innovation, and youth-driven science to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.