The Museum of Science, Boston and Boston University received funding from the National Science Foundation to develop and implement a pilot program mentoring high school students in science research, communication, and education practices, through the lens of experimental psychology research.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Katie ToddIan Chandler-CampbellRachel Fyler
We asked science centers and museums to share their best pieces of advice and most important lessons learned regarding the following: 1) selecting topics and activities for out-of-school time programs, 2) partnering with afterschool providers and other community partners, 3) meeting the needs of underserved communities in out-of-school time programs, and 4) running successful camps or programs during school vacations.
In the 11 years since the inception of the Science Minors and Achievers program, the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), Chicago, has had plenty of anecdotal evidence that this out-of-school time program has a meaningful impact on its participants. Word of mouth was the strongest driver of recruitment, and teens were open with staff about other aspects of their lives. These and other characteristics suggested a deep connection between teens and the program. As the program grew in popularity and size, the museum wanted to see whether these informal observations survived more rigorous scrutiny
This article summarizes key findings of the American Association of University Women (AAUW)'s research report, "Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics" (2010). The report profiles research that demonstrates how social and environmental factors—including stereotypes, cultural beliefs, and implicit bias—act as barriers to girls’ and women’s full participation in these fields. This article provides a brief explanation of their findings and recommends what science centers and museums can do to promote girls' participation in science and math. The full report is