Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SURROUNDEDbySCIENCE (Surrounded by Science: Learning paths towards science proficiency)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-10-01 bis 2023-03-31
Science is all around us. People learn science at school, but an even larger part of science learning takes place out of school. This out-of-school science learning can spur interest in science, but it can also contribute to other aspects of people’s science proficiency (a set of specific competencies required to achieve goals and aspirations in science, to think critically and to be considerate and active citizens). While there has been significant attention given to science education in schools and higher education, there is still a lack of knowledge about the nature and effects of out-of-school science activities.
The EU-funded Surrounded by Science project brings together experts in science education research, science centres and museum educators, providers of outreach and informal learning activities, strong user communities and policymakers in Europe to design and develop a systematic assessment methodology that will analyse the impact of out-of-school science activities.
By conducting field studies and other innovative data collection methods, the project seeks to identify good practices in informal science education and assess their impact on people’s science proficiency. The project will draw from a digital toolbox of innovative research instruments to collect data from citizens actively participating in science-related activities. With this information, we try to bridge the gap between formal science education and out-of-school science education and contribute to a connected science learning ecosystem where people may encounter a wide range of science learning experiences that could lead to future opportunities in personal, academic, professional, and civic realms.
The EU-funded Surrounded by Science project brings together experts in science education research, science centres and museum educators, providers of outreach and informal learning activities, strong user communities and policymakers in Europe to design and develop a systematic assessment methodology that will analyse the impact of out-of-school science activities.
By conducting field studies and other innovative data collection methods, the project seeks to identify good practices in informal science education and assess their impact on people’s science proficiency. The project will draw from a digital toolbox of innovative research instruments to collect data from citizens actively participating in science-related activities. With this information, we try to bridge the gap between formal science education and out-of-school science education and contribute to a connected science learning ecosystem where people may encounter a wide range of science learning experiences that could lead to future opportunities in personal, academic, professional, and civic realms.
In the first part of the project, the aim was to get a better understanding of the nature of out-of-school science activities. An inventory of existing out-of-school science activities was made which showed insight into the approaches that organisations in Europe are taking to engage with visitors and attract their interest. In addition, based on interviews with 219 stakeholders (activity providers, school teachers, and visitors and participants of out-of-school science activities) from 20 different countries, 14 different types of out-of-school science activities were identified, each with their own design characteristics and success criteria. These activity types and corresponding design characteristics and success criteria are represented in three matrices, one for each learning context in which out-of-school science activities take place (i.e. designed environments, outreach programmes, and media- and technology products).
The first part of the project was also a preparation for the second part of the project in which the effects of out-of-school science activities will be investigated. In total, 18 case studies representing different contexts and activity types, targeting different audiences, covering different STEM domain areas and taking place in different counties, were selected for in-depth research. Instruments to assess science proficiency in different research perspectives have been developed and selected. And the first release of the Digital Toolbox, including the Science Chaser app, has been realised. In-depth research with the 18 selected case studies is currently being performed in different countries.
The first part of the project was also a preparation for the second part of the project in which the effects of out-of-school science activities will be investigated. In total, 18 case studies representing different contexts and activity types, targeting different audiences, covering different STEM domain areas and taking place in different counties, were selected for in-depth research. Instruments to assess science proficiency in different research perspectives have been developed and selected. And the first release of the Digital Toolbox, including the Science Chaser app, has been realised. In-depth research with the 18 selected case studies is currently being performed in different countries.
The three most important and exploitable assets of the project will be:
1. The Science Booster: this app can be used by science organisations to become more aware of the impact that their activities have on different target groups and to get targeted input for improvement;
2. The Science Chaser: this app monitors how citizens use science-related activities, provides recommendations for future activities and collects user data to receive a more in-depth understanding about the users, their interests and engagement in science-related activities.
3. The roadmap for designing effective out-of-school science activities: the accreditation and certification system recommendations proposed within the scope of the project can be used by education institutions to accredit and certify science learning activities that originate outside the school science system.
1. The Science Booster: this app can be used by science organisations to become more aware of the impact that their activities have on different target groups and to get targeted input for improvement;
2. The Science Chaser: this app monitors how citizens use science-related activities, provides recommendations for future activities and collects user data to receive a more in-depth understanding about the users, their interests and engagement in science-related activities.
3. The roadmap for designing effective out-of-school science activities: the accreditation and certification system recommendations proposed within the scope of the project can be used by education institutions to accredit and certify science learning activities that originate outside the school science system.