This document discusses principles for effective science learning in afterschool programs. It outlines the goals of the Coalition for Science After School to increase quality and quantity of science education for all youth. It then discusses several principles for effective learning: that it should be active, collaborative, meaningful, support mastery, and expand horizons. Each principle is defined and related to how it is relevant to STEM learning. The document advocates for learning that incorporates these principles and is grounded in theories of youth development and science learning.

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Learning in
Afterschool
and Summer
(LIAS) and
STEM Quality
Carol Tang, Ph.D.
@CarolTang1

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Coalition for Science After School
Toincrease quality and
quantity of science for all
youth in afterschool, summer,
and out-of-school settings
Tobridge the afterschool,
STEM education and scientific
communities

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Magic Trick

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What was great about this activity?
good
somewhat okay

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One-sided object

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What was great about this activity?
good
somewhat okay

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 Engaging
 Discovery
 Intentional
 Explicitly math
 Relevant
But will you retain any of this info?

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Learning that is active
Learning that is collaborative
Learning that is meaningful
Learning that supports mastery
Learning that expands horizons

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Science of Learning

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STEM Afterschool

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Scientific Thinking and Process Skills
Observing
Communicating
Comparing and measuring
Ordering
Categorizing
Relating Science Guidelines for Nonformal
Inferring Education
Carlson and Maxa 1997 4H
Applying http://www1.cyfernet.org/prog/schl/scie
nce/4h590.html

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20. + Science Learning Youth Development
Curiosity Exploration
Motivation Shows initiative
Responsibility Self-determination
Persistence Persistence
Science Capable Mastery
Identity Sees ability to succeed
Appreciation Relevance
Interest Engagement

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22. + Theory of Activation
Science learning activation =
A composition of dispositions, skills, and knowledge
that enables success in proximal science learning
experiences.
A Fascination
Choice
c t Values
t i Engagement
Perceived Autonomy
i o
Competency Beliefs
v n
Learning
a Scientific Sensemaking

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Photos from Google.com & Balazs H.

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STEM Afterschool
Career development/Economic justice

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Learning that is active
Learning that is collaborative
Learning that is meaningful
Learning that supports mastery
Learning that expands horizons

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For each principle…
Why important?
How relevant to STEM?
What does it look like?

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Learning that is Active

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Learning that is Active
useum: KIDS Afterschool Museum: KIDS Afterschool
Boston Children’s
 Different types of
learning
 Physical activity
 Hands-on
 Multi-sensory

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Doing!

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Science is active.

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Learning that is Collaborative

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Learning that is Collaborative Museum: KI
Boston Children’s
 Team work
 Socially-centered
 Individual
talents
contribute toward
group goals

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Science is Collaborative

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Learning that supports mastery

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Learning that supports mastery
 Learnskills and
practice them.
 Sequence activities
to add new skills
over time.
 Allow kids to “get
really good at
something.”

36. + Learning that supports mastery

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Scientific process supports mastery

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Learning that is meaningful.
 Youth feel ownership
 Fosters leadership
skills
 Relevant to their own
interests/experiences
 Serves
their
community

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Learning that is meaningful.

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STEM is meaningful.

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Learning that expands horizons.

42. + Learning that expands horizons.
 Accessto new
experiences
 Global
and cultural
awareness
 Sense of discovery.
 Exposureto new
opportunities.

43. + Learning that expands horizons.

47. + What were two things that surprised you
about this workshop?
“That bark is alive, and that we wrote about aliens.” – Dolphin,
age 9, 826LA
“I didn’t know I would have so much fun! And that I had a real
scientist for my teacher!” – Dr. Heather, age 8, 826NYC
“That we grew rock candy, and that science is so important.” –
Nemo, age 10, 826NYC
“ That a rocket scientist spoke, and we got to read about rockets.”
– Chepe, age 8, 826LA

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Learning that is active
Learning that is collaborative
Learning that is meaningful
Learning that supports mastery
Learning that expands horizons

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Resources
 LearningInAfterschool.org
 AfterschoolScience.org
 These slides at Slideshare.net
 @CarolTang1