Generating Engagement and New Initiatives for All Latinos (GENIAL): Informal Science Education Para Todos

Exploratorium, San Francisco CA

Investigators

Abstract

As a part of its overall strategy to enhance learning in informal environments, the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program funds research and innovative resources for use in a variety of settings. This conference will convene Informal Science Education researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and others focusing on generating engagement and new initiatives for Latinos. The goals of the conference are to assess the current state of the field in providing effective ISE experiences for Latinos, identify needs and gaps leading to collaborative research, and synthesize effective strategies that enrich STEM learning for Latinos. The conference will gather 100 participants face-to-face in September 2016 at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA. A follow up workshop for another 40 participants will be held in October 2017 at the Association of Science-Technology Centers annual meeting. Conference outcomes include: identification of areas of future research; new and strengthened partnerships between practitioners and researchers; and a set of principles and guidelines for designing effective informal learning experiences for and with Latinos.