The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) has a team of educators who design, develop, and facilitate hands-on learning experiences for school groups: the Student Experiences Team. It currently offers 14 different Learning Labs, all of them aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Learning Labs are closely connected with classroom curriculum. They are designed to increase scientific knowledge, engage students with the scientific process, and provide insight into STEM careers. Integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in all Learning Labs is a top priority for the MSI’s Student Experiences Team. We are in the process of understanding and implementing strategies to accommodate student groups that have been traditionally underserved as regards science education. This presentation aims to explore and discuss challenges, goals, standards, and best practices, using specific examples from our ongoing experience with diverse learners. The latter include students with disabilities, as well as English Language Learners. We will discuss how these programs may contribute to further scientific literacy in chemistry and STEM at large. We will also analyze possible ways of integrating insights from the ACS’s work on Teaching Chemistry to Students with Disabilities with the NGSS for All Students, the American Alliance of Museums guidelines, and the Universal Design for Learning approach.

DEIA in informal learning: Case study from the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

2019 Fall National Meeting

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