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Using Media to Engage Families in Science

July 24, 2019 | Media and Technology, Informal/Formal Connections

Engaging in science from a young age can provide children with a foundation for school readiness and future academic achievement. Recent research suggests that parents feel responsible for helping their children learn, but only about half of parents—and even fewer low-income parents—feel confident helping their children learn science. Even when parents value early STEM learning, providing enriching science experiences can sometimes be challenging. We know from prior research that educational media, such as videos, apps, and digital games, can play a valuable role in helping parents strengthen their children’s literacy and math skills, and that media may be particularly effective for parents who lack confidence in helping their children learn.

The PEEP Family Science study is further evidence that media are an effective way to motivate families to do science together. Coupled with hands-on activities, media can model science exploration, encourage discussion, and introduce content in a way that is fun and engaging for both parent and child.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Megan SIlander
    Author
    EDC
  • Jennifer Stiles
    Author
    EDC
  • Gay Mohrbacher
    Author
    WGBH
  • Citation

    Funders

    NSF
    Funding Program: AISL
    Award Number: 1612643
    Funding Amount: $2,000,002.00
    Resource Type: Reference Materials
    Discipline: Education and learning science | General STEM
    Audience: Pre-K Children (0-5) | Parents/Caregivers | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Broadcast Media | Websites, Mobile Apps, and Online Media | Informal/Formal Connections | Pre-K/Early Childhood Programs
    Access and Inclusion: Low Socioeconomic Status

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