Science on the Move: Everyday Encounters with Science

September 15th, 2012 - August 31st, 2014 | PROJECT

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is implementing a Pathways project that will test and refine a model to promote an appreciation that science is everywhere and personally relevant by engaging transit riders in Portland, OR with location-relevant STEM content through unfacilitated, interactive science exhibits in everyday places. The study will employ a "design-based research" approach that both iteratively tests exhibit effectiveness and develops and refines an underlyting theoretical model that can contribute knowledge to the field. The "Science on the Move" model will be developed and tested using an exhibit prototype that includes 1) an easily transportable prototype core with a familiar touch-screen interface, 2) multiple sets of interactive digital content, and 3) a variety of accompanying outer skins designed to attract the public. The exhibit prototype will be placed at bus transit nodes to reach adults, specifically targeting those without college degrees who are underrepresented in science centers. A range of possible STEM content domains will be selected and tested based on topics of interest to the public. If successful, given the several challenges involved, the feasibility study will be applied more fully around Portland and be a model for other cities to consider.

Project Website(s)

(no project website provided)

Project Products

Poster - Science on the Move: Everyday Encounters with Science
Tripping Over Science: Taking STEM Exhibits Outside of the Museum
Science on the Move: A Design-Based Research Study of Informal STEM Learning in Public Spaces - Pre-Proofing Manuscript

Team Members

Marilyn Johnson, Principal Investigator, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Marcie Benne, Co-Principal Investigator, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Scott Pattison, Contributor, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Christopher Cardiel, Evaluator, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Funders

Funding Source: NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 1222659
Funding Amount: 249942

Tags

Audience: Adults | Evaluators | General Public | Museum | ISE Professionals
Discipline: Education and learning science | General STEM
Resource Type: Project Descriptions
Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits