Science Action Groups - Design Challenge

Design Challenge Learning in Out of School Time: Science Action Clubs

Courtney RuddCnrudd@calacademy.orgScience Action Club Project Manager

May 7, 2013

California Academy of Sciences

The Academy’s approach to learning in out-of-school time

• New knowledge, attitudes, skills

and career goals for leaders

• Hands-on, inquiry based

experiences

• Club identity

• Ladder of leadership

• Digital technology

California Academy of Sciences

OST Programs at the Academy

6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Undergraduate Grade Level

TASC ForceN=60

Science Action ClubsN=400

Careers in Science (CiS) N=35

Student Science Fellows

N=10 CiS Program

AssistantsN=4

Digital Learning ProgramsN=30

Learning Labs with SF Public Library, CAS, KQED, BAVCN=100s-1000s

Inte

nsi

ty

California Academy of Sciences

Science Action Club ProgramSparking youth interest in science!

• Offer OST professional development for frontline staff

• Youth in grades 6-8th in afterschool programs

• STEM curriculum linked to national citizen science projects

• Promote professional networks

Sparking interest in science!

California Academy of Sciences

Afterschool Learning Design Principles

California Academy of Sciences

Design Challenge Learning in AfterschoolClick icon to add picture

California Academy of Sciences

Activity

California Academy of Sciences

Activity

California Academy of Sciences

Activity

California Academy of Sciences

Strategies for design challenge learningWays to support youth through the experience

• Engage in brainstorming

• Set clear expectations

• Ask lots of questions!

• Encourage wild ideas

• Challenge youth

• Extra cards

• Encourage youth efforts

• “Team meeting” strategy

• Recognize everyone’s achievement

• “Walkabouts”

California Academy of Sciences

• Can you see this activity working at your site?

• Which parts of this activity are the most challenging to facilitate? Why?

• How would you or could you adapt this activity for your site?

• How can you support youth if they feel overwhelmed or lack ideas?

Guiding QuestionsDebrief questions for staff

California Academy of Sciences

• What types of birds would live in your bird city?

• Are there more improvements that could be made to your bird city?

• What materials didn’t you use? Did use? Why?

• What was most challenging?

• What was most exciting?

• Where are there bird habitats in the city you live in?

• What are some things you could do in your current city to preserve/provide bird habitat?

Guiding QuestionsDebrief questions for youth

Questions?

Courtney RuddCnrudd@calacademy.orgScience Action Club Project Manager