Goal: To create meaningful learning experiences for underserved/underrepresented (UU) families at informal science education centers (ISECs).
Details: It is difficult for many informal science education centers (ISECs) to create meaningful learning experiences for underserved/underrepresented (UU) families. Often, ISEC program staff lack the tools and awareness required to do so; yet, it is these families who can benefit most from outdoor, informal science education. Although most ISECs work with community-based organizations (CBOs) who serve UU families, the institutional and staff relationships are usually built on a program-by-program basis. Additionally, finding ways to include the right Web 2.0 platform on the right device is challenging enough when attempting to reach “traditional” science center audiences; it is compounded when working with UU families.
The project is divided into four components of activity.
Participating NEOSEC members:
1 Establishing a Community of Practice. CBO and ISEC staff will work together in a series of facilitated and evaluated meetings and content workshops. RMC Research Corporation (RMC) will solicit input from program partners to develop a needs assessment (established via focus groups) of the target audiences. These efforts will lay the groundwork for Component 2.
2 Developing a field program. CBO-ISEC teams design their own site-specific field programs for Worlds Oceans Day. The programs are based on results of focus groups and informed by science/community programs workshop and will focus on ocean literacy principles and concepts with input from NOAA-scientists.
3 Applying Web2.0 technology. Concurrent with the field program development, the science and technology group (led by EOL) will evaluate existing Web2.0 tools and train project staff through a Technology Workshop. These will be field tested in a family program for International Coastal Cleanup Day. Resources from Science & Technology Partners.
4 Supporting continuing and ongoing learning. Partners will determine the best ways to support continued participation via Web2.0 applications, revise programming according to participant feedback, implement revised field programs to reach new participants, and support follow-up learning among past participants.
