Integrating Science Into Afterschool: A Three Dimensional Approach to Engaged...

NSF Awards: 1138911

Presented in: 2015 (see original presentation & discussion)

Grade Level: Grades K-6

This video will highlight best practices gleaned from current work on Integrating Science into Afterschool (“STEM 3D”). The Franklin Institute has built partnerships with city-funded out-of-school time programs in Philadelphia to offer STEM program experiences and support structures for those facilitating children’s learning afterschool. Over the past two years, STEM 3D has focused on building facilitator and program capacity in nontraditional learning environments through hands-on training sessions focused on STEM experiences.

STEM 3D trainings strategically merge pedagogical approaches to project-based learning approaches with modeling of hands-on STEM experiences in order to build the identity of OST staff as science facilitators. Embedded in the trainings are questions addressing how STEM in afterschool can impact children’s sense of identity in STEM and how we can identify ways in which underrepresented groups come to understand, value, and promote STEM content and careers.

The video will highlight our afterschool work, but will include a description of the other dimensions of the project, including how we are supporting OST staff to see themselves as a bridge for STEM learning in the community and home. Our most recent trainings have focused on ways in which facilitators can generate parent engagement in STEM in the out-of-school time setting in order to help support parents to become advocates of STEM and of STEM career pathways for their children. Each site is planning to host a Family STEM night at their sites, and the video will emphasize critical stages of the planning process.

This video will highlight best practices gleaned from current work on Integrating Science into Afterschool (“STEM 3D”). The The Franklin Institute has built partnerships with city-funded out-of-school time programs in Philadelphia to offer STEM program experiences and support structures for those facilitating children’s learning after-school. Over the past two years, STEM 3D has focused on building facilitator and program capacity in nontraditional learning environments through hands-on training sessions focused on STEM experiences.

STEM 3D trainings strategically merge pedagogical approaches to project-based learning approaches with modeling of hands-on STEM experiences in order to build the identity of OST staff as science facilitators. Embedded in the trainings are questions addressing how STEM in afterschool can impact children’s sense of identity in STEM and how we can identify ways in which underrepresented groups come to understand, value, and promote STEM content and careers.

The video will highlight our afterschool work, but will include a description of the other dimensions of the project, including how we are supporting OST staff to see themselves as a bridge for STEM learning in the community and home. Our most recent trainings have focused on ways in which facilitators can generate parent engagement in STEM in the out-of-school time setting in order to help support parents to become advocates of STEM and of STEM career pathways for their children. Each site is planning to host a Family STEM night at their sites, and the video will emphasize critical stages of the planning process.