Portal to the Public releases manual for creating public programs that highlight scientists
This blog was co-written with Eve Klein, Program Director at the Institute for Learning Innovation.
Portal to the Public (PoP) helps informal learning organizations connect public audiences with current science in their own communities through conversations with local scientists and engineers. The PoP team is proud to release the Implementation Manual and Catalog of Professional Development Elements, which provides guidance and resources for organizations looking to connect their communities to local science through meaningful, face-to-face conversation with scientists and other STEM professionals.
The PoP team also recently published a paper in the International Journal of Science Education, Part B, describing the impact on participating scientists.
This new, updated version of the manual integrates lessons learned from the past 10 years and includes:
- A framework, recommended strategies, and tools for adopting the Portal to the Public model at your own organization
- Step-by-step instructions for 27 training activities that prepare scientists to have conversations and create hands-on activities based on their area of work
- Suggestions specific to a wide range of informal learning organizations, including science centers, zoos, aquariums, university outreach groups, and research centers
- Sample recruitment, marketing, program development, and evaluation materials from member sites
The manual is free to download for a limited time.
The PoP Network is now led by the Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI), and the team offers custom workshops for organizations committed to adopting the Portal to the Public approach. To learn more, visit the website or contact Anna at anna.johnson@