Design Challenges at the

Museum of Science, Boston

Anna Lindgren-Streicher

VSA Conference, July 17 2013

• Founded in 2003

• Staffed drop-in program

• Families & school groups

Design Challenges program

• Engagement in engineering design process

• Recognition of engagement in engineering

• Positive affect/interest in engineering

Program goals

19 activities developed, 12 currently used

Example activities

• Existing formal education frameworks

• Conversations with educators

• Observations

Development of visitor learning framework

• Observations

• Interviews & surveys

• Educator debriefs

Methods used

• “Summative” evaluation

• Facilitation techniques– Expert educators & field trip

chaperones

• Girls’ participation

• Impact of competition on girls

Past & current studies