Students Present Research for RMSC’s Online Resource Library

Students in the community-engaged learning course, “Bridges Across Divides,” delivered their final projects to representatives at the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC), capping off semester-long research work about Frederick Douglass.

Taught by Fionnuala Regan, visiting instructor of English, the course focuses on Frederick Douglass’s advocacy for just causes. After reading Douglass’ and Harriet Jacobs’ autobiographies as well as various speeches given by Douglass, students design, research, and create supplementary learning materials for K-12 educators. Regan has developed a longstanding partnership with RMSC to create resources for its Educator Online Resource Library, which now includes a designated place where Fisher students’ work is highlighted as resources accessible to their patrons.

This year, one student group created a lesson on rhetorical skills that introduces middle and high school students to Douglass’ writing and oratory and guides them to deliver their own speech. Another group designed a matching game that helps students’ retention of lessons about slavery era laws. A third group created an online video game that teaches students about what it was like for people trying to escape slavery through the Underground Railroad.

The students delivered their presentations to RMSC representatives Dan Schneiderman, community engagement manager; Molly Wilson, Joe Wilson Science Consultant Program Coordinator; and Festival Davis, program facilitator.