In collaboration between the National Informal STEM Education Network and the American Chemical Society, the National Science Foundation-funded <i>Let’s Do Chemistry</i> project created hands-on tabletop activities for use in informal science environments to support visitor interest (I) in chemistry, understanding and perception of its relevance (R), and visitor overall feeling of self-efficacy (S) about chemistry. The design-based research was carried out to inform the development of the framework and was done in discrete phases that addressed the framework’s three major strategic components: Activity Content, Format and Facilitation strategies. Earlier iterations of the framework have been shared at ACS and this discussion will cover a brief overview of that work, as well as highlight process and methodology on the evolution of the framework, but will primarily center around the research and findings that informed the final version. To finalize the framework, the research team conducted a survey with facilitators and carried out additional video analysis from the work that was done earlier in the project. The survey provided data from facilitators about their facilitation of the kit activities, their perception of how interesting and relevant the activities were for visitors, as well as their perception of how confident the activities made visitors feel about chemistry concepts. Survey results also provided insight into facilitators’ perceptions of how design strategies surrounding the content and format of the activities may have impacted I/R/S. The activity video analysis was used to expand the team’s understanding of the framework’s facilitation strategies (Spark, Sustain, Deepen), in terms of how and when these strategies occurred, as well how visitors behaved throughout participation in the activities. These findings and framework are ultimately presented as content development and delivery strategies that could support positive outcomes in interest, relevance and self-efficacy with respect to chemistry.

Theoretical framework of the <i>Let’s Do Chemistry </i>project: Overview of research findings that informed the evolution of the framework

2019 Fall National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Theoretical framework of the Let’s Do Chemistry project: Overview of research findings that informed the evolution of the framework