Noticing by NYSCI

Graphical Abstract

Noticing by NYSCI is a project based at the New York Hall of Science that fosters deeper student learning and engagement through the use of five specialized, iPad-based mobile apps. Throughout the process of developing these Noticing Tools, a cohort of classroom educators helped NYSCI staff design the initial concepts, test the apps, create curriculum, and ultimately shape and facilitate online professional development modules for other educators.

Abstract

As a leader in the science museum field, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a destination for hands-on, interactive exhibitions and innovative programs. NYSCI’s Design-Make-Play (DMP) pedagogical approach to STEM learning recognizes that what is essential is not only the content—what is being taught—but how teaching and learning are imagined through the curriculum. This commitment to practice builds off of interest-based learning research, which emphasizes that all learners should feel a sense of efficacy and possibility. The hallmarks of this approach include deep personal engagement, personal choice, iterative design practices, and improvements on existing work (Honey and Kanter 2013). DMP is grounded in five core principles:

1. People and play at the center. NYSCI leverages children’s natural instincts to engage playfully with things they find compelling and enables them to become part of the data under investigation.

2. Kids as creators. We engage kids as creators and makers, not just consumers, of content, materials, and material objects.

3. Problems you think are worth solving. We support interest-driven problem solving, in which learners actively shape the tasks they are working on.

4. Divergent solutions. Students are encouraged to pursue problems that have no one right answer.

5. Open invitation. Our activities present a low barrier to entry, a high ceiling of rich potential complexity, and a wide berth for the creative expression of ideas.

Keywords:

• Middle School
• Informal Education

Author Contributions

Amanda Solarsh ([email protected]) is a STEM teacher at MS-104 Simon Baruch Middle School in New York, New York.

Gina Tesoriero ([email protected]) is a STEM teacher and special education learning specialist at MS-319 Maria Teresa Mirabal Middle School in New York, New York.

Michaela Labriole ([email protected]) is manager of special projects at the New York Hall of Science in Corona, New York.

Tara Chudoba ([email protected]) is an exhibit and activity developer at the New York Hall of Science in Corona, New York.

Supplemental Material

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amanda Solarsh

Amanda Solarsh ([email protected]) is a STEM teacher at MS-104 Simon Baruch Middle School in New York, New York.

Gina Tesoriero

Gina Tesoriero ([email protected]) is a STEM teacher and special education learning specialist at MS-319 Maria Teresa Mirabal Middle School in New York, New York.

Michaela Labriole

Michaela Labriole ([email protected]) is manager of special projects at the New York Hall of Science in Corona, New York.

Tara Chudoba

Tara Chudoba ([email protected]) is an exhibit and activity developer at the New York Hall of Science in Corona, New York.