Saturday Seminars for Urban Scholars Program

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

The K–16 academic journey to a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is often described as having serious barriers, such as uninspired teaching, an unwelcome environment, and poor math and science preparation that lead to the under-representation of ethnic minorities and women in these fields. At the same time, national and global demand for workers in STEM fields is growing rapidly. STEM attitudes and career interests typically decline in the middle school years due to the reduction in emphasis on mastery, engagement, and school culture, making this a critical time for STEM interventions (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2016; Vedder-Weiss and Fortus 2011).

Keywords:

• STEM
• Middle School
• Informal Education

Author Contributions

Michele W. McColgan ([email protected]) is director at the Siena Center for Informal Teaching and Learning in Science and the Arts and associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, both at Siena College in Loudonville, New York.

Robert J. Colesante ([email protected]) is an associate at the Siena Center for Informal Teaching and Learning in Science and the Arts and professor in the Department of Education, both at Siena College in Loudonville, New York.

Albert G. Andrade ([email protected]) is an associate at the Siena Center for Informal Teaching and Learning in Science and the Arts at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, and a middle school teacher at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, New York.

Kenneth Robin ([email protected]) is a senior research scientist at the Center for Human Services Research at the State University of New York at Albany in Albany, New York.

Notes

1 (Quantum blocks were added to Minecraft through a mod that was collaboratively developed by CalTech’s Institute for Quantum Information and Matter, TeacherGaming, Google , E-Line Media, and Daniel Ratcliffe).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michele W. McColgan

Michele W. McColgan ([email protected]) is director at the Siena Center for Informal Teaching and Learning in Science and the Arts and associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, both at Siena College in Loudonville, New York.

Robert J. Colesante

Robert J. Colesante ([email protected]) is an associate at the Siena Center for Informal Teaching and Learning in Science and the Arts and professor in the Department of Education, both at Siena College in Loudonville, New York.

Albert G. Andrade

Albert G. Andrade ([email protected]) is an associate at the Siena Center for Informal Teaching and Learning in Science and the Arts at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, and a middle school teacher at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, New York.

Kenneth Robin

Kenneth Robin ([email protected]) is a senior research scientist at the Center for Human Services Research at the State University of New York at Albany in Albany, New York.