Unique event explores informal science education
Educators know that the school day is not always long enough. Out-of-school time is a great opportunity to provide enrichment activities for youth through afterschool and summer programs. Given the national emphasis on the importance of improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for America’s youth, the idea of incorporating enrichment and informal educational opportunities for students to experience STEM in the out-of-school time hours seems wise.
In December, Public Agenda, the Kansas Enrichment Network and the Missouri AfterSchool Network hosted a session to discuss strategies for creating mature, statewide systems to expand and improve Informal Science Education (ISE) opportunities for youth. The forty stakeholders who attended discussed Standards for Practice, Provider Networks, Professional Development, and Linkages to K-12 and Higher Education in relationship to ISE while considering questions regarding the opportunities, models, challenges and priorities around each goal. System-building is complex work that requires input from a wide range of stakeholders as a crucial step in identifying obstacles and opportunities.
The unique focus of this event attracted attendees from national, state, regional, and local entities, adding energy to the power of the discussion. Representatives from the Noyce Foundation, Education Development Center, Inc., and National Institute on Out-of-School Time collaborated with faculty from the University of Kansas, Harvard University, Kansas State University, and Fort Hays State University while museum representatives from Minnesota, Missouri, Massachusetts, and Washington conversed with staff from libraries, 4-H organizations, and school districts. Additionally, statewide Afterschool Network staff from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Michigan, interacted with providers, including One Health Kansas, Project Lead the Way, and Project Exploration.
The participants agreed that ISE opportunities need to be expanded through strong system-building; The National Science Foundation (NSF) could play a vital role in establishing standards for practice; and The National Afterschool Association’s work with the National Association of Elementary School Principals would serve as a good starting point for conversations and field-building. Further, KU’s UKan Teach program was cited as an example of a natural partnership that could be formed between out-of-school ISE programs needing trained staff to deliver content and student teachers seeking practical teaching experience. This type of collaboration could provide an efficient, cost-effective, high-quality solution to both groups’ problems and serve as a model for other states. Statewide afterschool networks, like the Kansas Enrichment Network, could serve as clearinghouses for information on ideas and best practices and become resources to promote cross-communication with local and national entities.
The Kansas Enrichment Network published a final summary report detailing the evening’s discussions and a complete list of participants. For a copy of the report, please visit the Kansas Enrichment Network or email the Network’s Director, Marcia Dvorak.
