Practitioners
The Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE) is dedicated to advancing and improving the practice of informal science education in its many and varied forms like digital media, afterschool programs, nature centers and zoos and aquariums, and youth, community, and afterschool programs. It was founded in 2007 with help from the National Science Foundation and communicates the value of investments in informal science education. CAISE publishes an informative newsletter, briefcase, and sponsors programs and events.
Doing What Works (DWW) is a new website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. DWW is dedicated to helping educators identify and make use of effective teaching practices. The website contains practice guides developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Science which evaluates research on the effectiveness of teaching practices. The site also offers recommendations to engage girls in math and science; best practice modules and three comprehensive planning templates. The templates can be used by a technical assistance provider or other support provider working with a state, a district, or a school on comprehensive needs assessment and planning.
The Exploratorium is a museum of science, art, and human perception. Located in San Francisco it is one of the first science museums to build a site on the internet. Their focus is on investigating the science behind the ordinary subjects and occurrences of people’s lives. The goal is to bring more science and math enrichment into out-of-school time using resources from the Exploratorium's Digital Library. Educators will find afterschool activities illustrated with digital videos, concept maps, science explanations, and suggested links to related science learning resources from the National Science Digital Library (nsdl.org).
Girls in Technology (GIT) supports academic and community programs that engage school-age girls in technology and computer-related learning. The organization provides a range of programs, including mentoring, speakers, program and curriculum assistance, and financial assistance. They specifically target underserved and disadvantaged communities. It is an outreach committee within Women in Technology, a nonprofit organization that supports women in the technology industry.
The Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science (IWITTS) provides the tools to successfully assimilate women into male-dominated careers, like technology and law enforcement, by means of training, publications, online and interactive strategies, and research projects. IWITTS’ many programs are supported by various organizations, including the National Science Foundation and Cisco. The website contains 100 pages of content, including best practice information for educators. Of particular interest are the “Think Women Can't Be” poster series featuring women in science and engineering careers and explaining the qualifications needed and the rewards of the job.
Sally Ride ScienceTM, created by astronaut, physicist, and educator, Sally Ride, is a science content company dedicated to supporting girls’ and boys’ interests in science, math, and technology. A key part of their mission is to make a difference in girls’ lives and to change society’s outlook on their roles in the technical field. The website features specific content for educators, parents, and girls, with a variety of activities, related links, and publications to help integrate STEM into girls’ lives.
A blog by Jason Freeman, the Director of the Coalition for Science After School (www.scienceafterschool.org). The blog publishes updates on afterschool science programs and activities, and reviews and provides links to articles and other resources related to STEM. The Science After School Website provides a database for STEM resources, organizations, evaluators, and funders.
This database, developed by PEAR (Program in Education, Afterschool and Resiliency), a Harvard University-McLean Hospital team led by Dr. Gil Noam, is designed to help practitioners, evaluators, researchers and policymakers select instruments to assess science learning and child outcomes in out-of-school programs.
Ology is a science-rich website for kids produced by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Ology provides a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities, hands-on projects, information, games, and quizzes for students that can be done independently or with instructor guidance. The American Museum of Natural History is located in New York and receives public funding from New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), established at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, encourages more women and girls to prepare for careers and become leaders in IT, communicates information about the field and fosters research on gender and IT. Their many programs include a speakers series, scholarship programs, a multi-disciplinary research study investigating gender-based differences in perception and use of IT as factors in career choice, and a detailed description of their year-long NSF-funded program, Enhancing Science and Technology Education and Exploration Mentoring.
This website is part of the National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) Celebration of Women in Engineering project. This project brings national attention to the opportunity that engineering represents to all people at any age, but particularly to women and girls. The site features a range of information on engineering careers, including descriptions of how engineering is part of the development of nearly everything in our lives. The site also includes a reading list targeting middle-school readers, and an annual essay contest for elementary, middle, and high school girls.
This assessment tool was created to help agencies assess their efforts toward providing a gender equitable and ‘girl-friendly” environment. As an agency committed to working with and helping girls, we think this tool can help guide discussion among staff on the characteristics of a girl-friendly environment. It can also be used as a program planning tool, from which priorities and areas in need of additional resources can be identified.
The National Science Digital Library (NSDL) was created by the National Science Foundation to provide access to resources and tools that support educators, students, and content providers at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The site also provides a link to NSDL audio, video, and other multimedia resources for science and math education through Apple’s iTunes U, which is a free service with videos and podcasts from museums, public radio and television stations, and other nonprofit educational providers.