Reflections from a researcher and caregiver on the process of working together on a study examining strategies to communicate the relevance of engineering practices at exhibits.
This document provides information about the quantitative and qualitative data collected and analyzed for this project with hopes that it informs future research and evaluation efforts for STEM education in rural contexts.
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
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
How to determine a sample size for studying your informal learning program
What’s important to consider when selecting a sample size, or participant group size, for studying your informal (science) education program? What value does a small sample size have? If program managers have ample resources for collecting a lot of data, what factors are important to consider?
Here is a collection of guidelines and examples for use in making an informed decision about determining the sample size for studying your informal learning program. To design a study whose findings are more authentic
Research-practice partnerships between filmmakers and social scientists can help:
Produce effective and engaging documentaries on complex science + society issues
Fill gaps in social science research on the impact of films, and how films can reach traditionally missed audiences
This poster was presented at the 2021 NSF AISL Awardee Meeting.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Sarah GoodwinEmily HowellAmanda MolderMeredith DeSalazarYachao QianDietram ScheufeleElliot Kirschner
From 2019 to 2021, Knology undertook a project called Addressing Societal Challenges through STEM, which investigated how informal learning institutions are advancing the use of STEM knowledge and scientific reasoning to enable individuals, families, and communities to understand what they can do, and apply their learning to solving critical societal challenges.
The literature reviewed (237 studies and articles) documented an emerging infrastructure to support the capacity of ISL institutions to address social issues. This infrastructure includes a body of empirical and peer-reviewed
This poster was presented at the 2021 NSF AISL Awardee Meeting.
The project's goals are to:
Create “data-catcher” exhibits that provide exciting learning experiences about cooperation while allowing visitors to contribute to research in social science.
Build public awareness of the methods of social science.
Generate valid data for academic research.
Assess the impact of public participation in scientific research (PPSR) on visitors’ interest, engagement, and understanding.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Josh GutwillHeike WinterheldLee CronkAthena Aktipis
Numeracy is not a luxury: numbers constantly factor into our daily lives. Yet adults in the United States have lower numeracy than adults in most other developed nations. While formal statistical training is effective, few adults receive it – and schools are a major contributor to the inequity we see among U.S. adults. That leaves news well-poised as a source of informal learning, given that news is a domain where adults regularly encounter quantitative content. Our transdisciplinary team of journalists and social scientists propose a research agenda for thinking about math and the news. We
In November 2020, President-elect Joe Biden identified four priority areas for the incoming administration: COVID-19; climate change, economic recovery, and racial equity. These crucial areas of national interest will be the focus of media attention, policy debates, funding initiatives, and community discussions over the next four years. Will museums be part of these important conversations and initiatives? Are there opportunities for museums to affirm or to reposition their roles within the difficult public deliberations ahead? Addressing Societal Challenges through STEM (ASCs) is a research