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Project Descriptions

LEAP into Science: A National Museum/Library Partnership

August 15, 2007 - July 31, 2013 | Public Programs, Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks
This collaboration between the Franklin Institute and the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation identifies the role of crucial intermediaries in the science learning of children and points to the opportunities offered through a museum and library partnership to provide engaging science resources in under-resourced communities where many adults lack science expertise and confidence. Through an emphasis on literacy and science, LEAP into Science builds the capacity of after school leaders, teens and parents to be competent science learners and facilitators and to connect science centers, parents and libraries in support of the science learning and achievement of children. Project features include a workshop model for families with K-4 children, enrichment sessions for after school students, family events at the museum, professional development for library and after school youth staff, and a national expansion conference. The conference introduces the project to potential national implementation sites. Case studies of sites from this conference inform a research study investigating the obstacles, modifications and necessary support to initiate and sustain the program model. The formative and summative evaluation measure the impact of this program on children, parents, librarians, and teen workers at the libraries. Fifty-three Philadelphia libraries in addition to libraries in three cities selected from the implementation conference have a direct program impact on 10,000 people nationally, including 300 after school facilitators and children's librarians.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 0714658
Funding Amount: 1175857

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Dale McCreedy Head SHot
    Principal Investigator
    Franklin Institute Science Museum
  • Christine Caputo
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Free Library of Philadelphia
  • Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Middle School Children (11-13) | Youth/Teen (up to 17) | Families | Parents/Caregivers | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Afterschool Programs | Museum and Science Center Programs | Library Programs | Professional Development, Conferences, and Networks | Professional Development and Workshops | Conferences

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