New York Hall Of Science

Research and development: nysci is a dynamic laboratory for learning. Five doctorate-level learning scientists and over 50 science educators, exhibit developers, and program experts carry out and apply research to build new knowledge about how diverse learners interpret and engage with informal stem learning experiences, and how to design and implement innovative, inclusive and engaging approaches to creative stem learning for those learners. Nysci's research informs the design of our exhibits, programs for youth, community members and educators, and our groundbreaking digital apps and games. Beyond nysci, this work is building an evidence base for successful informal stem education with a wide variety of audiences and contributing to national conversations advocating for investments in quality stem education for all.through research grants from the u.s. National science foundation, department of education, national institutes of health, and private supporters, nysci researchers are investigating topics ranging from how to design exhibits that are inviting and engaging for family groups from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, to testing the efficacy of a digital game that integrates computational thinking into middle school curricula. This research helps nysci create innovative programs for families and educators; offer opportunities for learners to discover the impact they can have on the world around them; design playful, inviting pathways into understanding complex systems like the environment, cities, and digital networks; and inspire a generation of young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Education:nysci creates a broad array of learning opportunities for students, educators, families and communities by inviting learners to explore science concepts and skills in ways that are meaningful to them. The museum provides a wide range of programs and learning pathways for all ages to engage in innovative stem activities that sparks curiosity and fosters creativity and critical thinking skills. Nysci programs help young people to gain stem competencies, learn 21st century skills, and discover pathways to academic and career success in stem-related fields. Through after-school programs and camps, dozens of elementary and middle school students have been exposed to state-of-the-art lab equipment, conducted a variety of science investigations, practiced creative coding and used engineering design skills to create their own solutions to challenges they care about. We have also reached many high school and college students, who participate in experiences that connect them to stem professionals and help them acquire skills necessary to succeed in college and stem careers.nysci also responds to the needs of its local community and our local community school district 24 by coordinating collaborative groups to co-design educational experiences, assess the community's evolving needs and develop new programs. The family advisory committee consisting of local parents and caregivers who provide monthly feedback on a wide range of topics to ensure alignment with community needs. In addition, the museum provides educational opportunities through a wide range of programming such as family workshops, special customized events, parent education courses and teacher professional learning programs. Nysci collaborates with the new york city department of education through the pre-k center that opened on campus in september 2022, providing science coaching to teachers and special programming for the more than 300 families with children enrolled in the school. Nysci co-founded and continues to contribute to the elmhurst corona resource collaborative (ecrc), a cooperative effort of local non-profits and community groups to provide direct services and resources.

Each year approximately 100 young people participate in nysci's signature youth development program, the science career ladder. On average, explainers work at nysci for 2.25 years as museum facilitators, fostering fun and inclusive stem learning by recognizing and guiding visitors' interests, nurturing their curiosity and encouraging agency in approaching stem-based activities, challenges, and questions throughout the museum. They also hold residencies and fellowships with designers, engineers, researchers, and artists to co-create exhibits, programs, online content and engaging activities for nysci's audiences. In the process, explainers acquire communication skills and confidence; stem literacy, knowledge, and habits of mind; and experience with inquiry-based teaching and learning. They engage in the kind of deeper thinking and discovery that is the bedrock for developing the skills, agency and confidence to succeed in college and in the 21st century technology workforce. Over the last three decades, 95 percent of the young people participating in this program have gone on to college, with 70 percent declaring majors in stem. In this year's cohort, 93% resided in queens..