Presentation at "Investigating learning within making, engineering, and design-based activities" session at 2013 VSA Annual Conference

1. Design Challenges at the
Museum of Science, Boston
Anna Lindgren-Streicher
VSA Conference, July 17 2013

2. • Founded in 2003
• Staffed drop-in program
• Families & school groups
Design Challenges program

3. • Engagement in engineering design process
• Recognition of engagement in engineering
• Positive affect/interest in engineering
Program goals

4. 19 activities developed, 12 currently used
Example activities

5. • Existing formal education frameworks
• Conversations with educators
• Observations
Development of visitor learning framework

6. • Observations
• Interviews & surveys
• Educator debriefs
Methods used

7. • “Summative” evaluation
• Facilitation techniques
– Expert educators & field trip
chaperones
• Girls’ participation
• Impact of competition on girls
Past & current studies