Ruff Family Science Prototype Field Test Report

RUFF FAMILY SCIENCE is a 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. The project is using a research and design process to create an implementation model and prototype resources (digital media, hands-on activities, and supports for educators) to build new knowledge about the potential for digital media to inspire and support intergenerational science learning among vulnerable families.

WGBH and Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), along with our partners the National Center for Families Learning, Kentucky Educational Television, and Alabama Public Television, are collaborating through three phases of research: Needs Assessment Phase, Prototype Development Phase, and Prototype Testing Phase. This report summarizes the findings from the Prototype Testing Phase, which investigates how the program model and prototype multimedia resources support acquisition of target attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors in parents and children, and how they support educators in implementing RUFF FAMILY SCIENCE in target partner programs.