Teaching the concept of STEM Activation and integrating it into civic science – Sarah Dunifon

STEM Activation is a framework that describes the dispositions, practices, and knowledge that enable success in STEM learning experiences. It includes dimensions like fascination with natural phenomena, valuing of science, competency beliefs, and scientific sense-making. This framework can be used to predict STEM career preferences, especially among middle school students who are at a critical age for maintaining STEM interests. The Activation Lab has developed various measurement tools, including surveys and observation protocols, that are publicly available for educators to assess STEM Activation in their students. By understanding and supporting STEM Activation, educators can help foster students’ long-term engagement and success in STEM fields.

Civic Science Media Lab

CSML's mission is to document the diverse practices of civic science to inform, educate, and inspire current and the next generation of practitioners in the field, and the broader publics. Through the practice of ethnographic civic science journalism, the lab offers practitioners a sandbox for experimentation—using video, digital publishing, and audio—to surface and make sense of the knowledge, lived experiences, behaviors, motivations, and responsibilities that shape civic science.