Science Learning with Hero Elementary: Differences in Implementation In-Person and Virtually

Hero Elementary is a transmedia educational initiative aimed at improving the school readiness and academic achievement in science and literacy of children grades K-2. With an emphasis on Latinx communities, English Language Learners, youth with disabilities, and children from low-income households, Hero Elementary celebrates kids and encourages them to make a difference in their own backyards and beyond by actively doing science and using their Superpowers of Science. The content is aligned with NGSS and CCSS-ELA for K–2.

This report summarizes findings from a case study with 4 large afterschool programs serving students who are historically underrepresented in STEM. The findings here cover similarities and differences in how Hero Elementary was used and adapted in afterschool settings, both in person and virtually following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guiding question here was: What are the similarities and differences in how Hero Elementary is implemented in person and virtually? Findings indicate that educators successfully implemented Hero Elementary both in-person and virtually. Both successfully fostered lively and productive learning environments, suggesting that in both implementation modes, Hero Elementary’s design features promoted student access to the learning content and that educators were able to adapt resources to address their students' needs.