Leveraging Maker Learning in STEM to Promote Children ’s Interest in Cancer Research: A Pilot Program

We describe an educational pilot program for elementary school students, using developmentally appropriate activities focused on cancer at a museum dedicated to children’s maker-centered learning and STEM. The program was implemented through a public school in Washington, DC serving students underrepresented in STEM. Program conceptualization, museum and school engagement, and maker learning pedagogy are described, as well as curricular outcomes. A total ofN = 111 students (44% female, 75% Black/African American, 5% Latine) participated in a day-long field trip. Museum educators, assisted by cancer center researchers, led a multipart workshop on cancer and the environment and hands-on rotation of activities in microbiology, immunology, and ultravio let radiation safety; students then completed self-report evaluations. Results indicate that nearly all (>  95%) students practiced activities typical of a STEM professional at the program, and >  70% correctly answered factual questions about topics studied. Importantly, 87–94% demonstrated clear STEM interest, a sense of belonging in the field, and practice implementing skills for success in STEM (e.g., perseverance, imagination, teamwork). This pilot demonstrated acceptability and fea sibility in delivering a cancer-focused curriculum to underserved elementary students using maker learning while favorably impacting key objectives. Future scale-up of this program is warranted, with the potential to increase st...
Source: Journal of Cancer Education - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research