Ruff Family Science Needs Assessment

Ruff Family Science is an exploratory project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that aims to foster joint media engagement and hands-on science exploration among diverse, low-income parents and their 4- to 8-year-old children. Building on the success of the PBS series FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, the project leverages FETCH’s funny and charismatic animated host, along with its proven approach to teaching science, to inspire educationally disadvantaged families to explore science together. More specifically, the project is undertaking a research and design process to create prototype resources (digital media, hands-on activities, and supports for educators) that meet the needs of families with a parent enrolled in an adult education program, addressing parents as both adult learners and as caregivers who can nurture their children’s development in science. In doing so, the project’s ultimate aim is to build new knowledge about the potential for digital media to inspire and support intergenerational science learning among vulnerable families.

WGBH (a leading producer of educational STEM media) and Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC, experts in how technology can influence and enhance teaching and learning), are collaborating on the project through three phases: a Needs Assessment Phase, Prototype Development Phase, and Prototype Testing Phase. This report summarizes the findings from the Needs Assessment, which was undertaken to determine key motivations and behaviors common to adult education students who are also parents; surface obstacles and assets inherent in these parents’ current practices for joint engagement with their children around science learning; and examine the needs and available resources for supplementing parents’ current engagement in family science learning, as well as the needs and available resources for supporting the instructional practices of adult and family educators.