This long-term follow-up study utilized mixed method design to elicit information from the previous alumni cohorts over the past ten years. Extensive qualitative analysis supports quantitative findings across five intended program outcomes (content; science identity, science communication, 21st century skills and positive youth development; and networking. It also documents additional non-specifically targeted outcomes (e.g., parenting and community involvement); influence of specific program components; and visions for future alumni programming. Qualitative data derive from two sources -
It’s a simple idea. Introduce a kid to a scientist, and let the child ask questions—whatever they wonder about. Then ask the child to reflect a little on the conversation when it’s over by drawing a picture or writing a few words. This is the gist of Science Storytellers, a program founded by freelance science writer Jennifer Cutraro. At the ACS national meeting in Boston last month, C&EN partnered with Science Storytellers to bring this program to the ACS Kids Zone event held at the Boston Children’s Museum. Modeled after the approach professional journlists use in their work, Science
With funding from a Smithsonian Institution Youth Access Grant the National Museum of Natural History offered a program pipeline that would engage underserved Washington D.C. students in programming designed to encourage academic and career STEM interest. Beginning with collaboration with community educators, the pipeline funneled students into a Teen Night Out Science Night to interest them in science workshop series offered after school and on weekend and ultimately into volunteer and internship opportunities. This report provides detailed view of methods, analyses, results, and conclusions
BioEYES, a nonprofit outreach program using zebrafish to excite and educate K–12 students about science and how to think and act like scientists, has been integrated into hundreds of under-resourced schools since 2002. During the week-long experiments, students raise zebrafish embryos to learn principles of development and genetics. We have analyzed 19,463 participating students’ pre- and post-tests within the program to examine their learning growth and attitude changes towards science. We found that at all grade levels, BioEYES effectively increased students’ content knowledge and produced
We explore the understudied role of program staff in an out-of-school time (OST) program at a large science museum, which may be especially relevant for supporting underrepresented minority (URM) youth’s interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) careers. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-method design, we surveyed 167 program alumni on their science attitudes, career interests, and memories about how the program compared to experiences at home, school, and with friends. We followed that with 49 interviews with alumni. Findings show that, while in the program, alumni who
Support from Safeco Insurance has enabled Pacific Science Center to open early from 8 – 10 a.m. and provide free entry for families affected by autism spectrum disorder. During the event, accommodations are made for sensory-sensitive guests, including softened general lighting and decreased noise level and visual stimulation on interactive exhibits whenever possible. In addition, Science Center staff provide facilitated experiences for guests at the Puget Sound Tide Pool, in the Willard Smith Planetarium, and on the Live Science Stage. Safeco Insurance funding also provided for staff training
This two-part evaluation consists of a baseline audience study as well as an outcome evaluation of the Full STEAM Ahead Teen Art-Science workshop sponsored jointly by ARTLAB+ of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the National Museum of Natural History Q?rius program. The first part of of the study establishes a baseline of art-science perceptions of 250 anonymous teens self-identified as art-oriented, science-oriented, or dually oriented. The second part compares workshop participant perceptions to the general population both before and after the workshop. Findings showed that
Evaluation of the "Making Sense" Art-Science workshop jointly sponsored by ARTLAB+ at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the National Museum of Natural History Q?rius youth program. Findings reiterate 2015 findings that youth experience the art-science integration as interdisciplinary and as such, arts-oriented students become more interested in and find a safe environment for studying science. Students who experience the integration as substantive discover a place for creativity in steps in the scientific process. The program also functions as an entree into both more intense youth