This paper discusses the development of the Tactile Mental Cutting Test (TMCT), a non-visually accessible spatial ability instrument, developed and used with a blind and low vision (BLV) population. Data was acquired from individuals participating in National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Conventions across the United States as well as NFB sponsored summer engineering programs. The paper reports on a National Science Foundation funded effort to garner initial research findings on the application of the TMCT. It reports on initial findings of the instrument’s validity and reliability, as well
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Natalie ShaheenAnn HuntDaniel KaneWade Goodridge
resourceresearchMuseum and Science Center Programs
This guide was created by adapting the Sciencenter PD materials for broader dissemination. It is intended to provide some general information and tips on incorporating more youth voices in an ISL setting, as well as a framework for convening discussions with others at your institution around the topic.
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resourceresearchMuseum and Science Center Programs
Youth Lead the Way: A Youth Advisory Research Board Model for Climate Impact Education, hosted by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), offered a theory-based approach for youth from communities underrepresented in STEM to conduct content research on local climate change impacts and develop interactive educational products designed to engage public audiences around these impacts. Through the Youth Lead the Way project, a program that supports youth and science center collaboration was developed and implemented by integrating two well-established methods: Youth Advisory Boards and
This is a guide to supporting a Youth Advisory Research Board, abbreviated to “YARB.” A YARB integrates two well-established methods of working with youth: Youth Advisory Boards and Youth Participatory Action Research. Youth Advisory Boards give young participants an opportunity to implement real, observable change at institutions such as informal science education centers.
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Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
resourceresearchMuseum and Science Center Programs
This guide outlines how to tackle potential gaps in communication, engagement, scheduling, and work styles, as well as provide different ways to incorporate youth input and voice into projects. This guide is divided into four sections: Youth vs. Adults, Youth Engagement, Communicating with Youth, and Advising.
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OMSI YouthCARE team
resourceevaluationProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
The aim of this evaluation study was to assess the extent to which the three PD workshop sessions (one for non-education staff, one for education staff and one for program youth) supported knowledge and confidence of Sciencenter staff and youth participants around the topics of integrating feedback from, and co-creating content with youth. The evaluation team used qualitative approaches to collect data through pre- and post-PD workshop questionnaires as well as a post-interview with the program coordinator two weeks after the PD workshops.
The aim of this evaluation study was to assess the extent to which youth-led products elicited public awareness of climate science or content communicated, and the desire to keep learning more about local climate impacts. The evaluation team used qualitative approaches to collect data through exit surveys and interviews with visitors at three events that were organized by the Youth Advisory and Research Board (YARB) members between August 2021 and July 2022.
The aim of this evaluation study was to document the progress and improvement of the 16-month Youth Lead the Way program. Specifically, the goal of the evaluation strand was to gather evidence of how the Youth Lead the Way experience provided opportunities to elicit in youth skills that aligned with the project and youth’s priorities. The evaluation team used qualitative data that varied across each of the three evaluation phases. Data were gathered periodically through surveys, concept maps, and interviews from July 2021 to August 2022.
This document summarizes lessons learned from implementing Leap into Science: Cultivating a National Network for Informal Science and Literacy (Leap into Science) from 2017-2023.
The following summative report describes overarching evaluation findings from the evaluation of Leap into Science, including future considerations for the Leap into Science program team (program team). The report aims to summarize takeaways from 2018-2023 and report on overall insights pertaining to the core evaluation questions of interest.
This is a brief literature review examining the theory and practice of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). It highlights CBPR's liberatory intent, and focuses on CBPR practice in indigenous communities and among youth.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Adhann Iwashita
resourceevaluationParks, Outdoor, and Garden Exhibits
Kera Collective conducted two rounds of program evaluation to understand the experience and impact of Coastal Maine Botanical Garden’s (CMBG) Advanced Studies in Professional Horticulture programs, which vary in format from standalone lectures to multi-session certificate courses.