19C - CANNABIS FUND FOR YOUTH SERVICES

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`x V OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH ON INFORMAL SCIENCE LEARNING AS IT APPLIES TO THE PRACTICE OF ZOO EDUCATION Studies bythe National Research Counci I show that science science education is gained when young people experience education outside of schools is most productive when it: • Provides intellectually and socio-emotionally rich first- hand experiences with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) • Leverages audience interests, experiences, and cultural resources • Makes explicit connections across settings8 This project will incorporate each of these recommendations in the development of curricula to ensure that youth receive the greatest benefit from the programming offered. The National Research Council report also emphasizes that science learning develops "over time and across settings.' In other words, a single science education program - no matter howwell crafted and delivered - is unlikelyto have a significant impact on a child's general science knowledge or environmental literacy skills. Rather, the true value of multiple touchpoints, in various settings and over a long period of time, which accumulate into meaningful science learning. When children are exposed to dynamic science education opportunities overtime, however, the result is: • Increased interest in and understanding of science • Strengthened connections to adult role models in science fields • Reduction in the achievement gap between low- and high -income families9 Given the need for multiple learning opportunities in order to achieve the intended impact, this program is intentionally designed to provide touchpoints across time and place. A complete scope and sequence of programming will be outlined, with overlapping goals and objectives that scaffold together i nto a comprehensive science education. 8. National Research Coumi 1(2015). Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM 9. National Reseamh Cound 1(2015). Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out -of -School settings.Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Programs in Out -of -School settings. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Rettleved2019-10-01fmmhttps://doi.org/10.17226/21740. 9 J11n*1�19-1001fmmhdp://doi.org/10.17226/21740.