A Full-scale Development Proposal -Informal Community Science Investigators (iCSI): Next Generation Engagement for Informal Science Institutions

非正式社区科学调查员（iCSI）创建了一个由四个地理位置不同的非正式科学机构组成的网络，共同制定战略，通过智能手机上播放的基于位置的增强现实（AR）游戏吸引10-13岁的青少年。这些高兴趣，儿童友好的游戏将被访问机构的家庭和参加更密集的夏令营项目的年轻人使用。使用AR游戏，参与者将参与有趣但有科学依据的调查，利用每个机构的研究，展览和自然空间。例如，植物园可能会通过与本地和入侵物种相关的AR游戏吸引年轻游客，而动物园可能会创建一个专注于非法野生动物贸易的游戏体验。iCSI夏令营项目的参与者将获得更深入的体验，包括与主办机构的科学家合作，开发原创增强现实游戏的机会，以及与游戏相关的服务学习和公民科学项目的体验。两个目标群体（家庭和露营者），特定地点的游戏建立了对机构的使命和更广泛的科学研究和应用领域的理解。该项目将测试参与者作为“学习者英雄”的概念，游戏与个人能力发展之间的联系，自主性以及与真实的世界经验的关系，在这种情况下，通过社区行动的主题游戏开发。为此，将鼓励参与者通过实地调查和参加社群活动以及可以在家中进行的项目扩大参与。Facebook等社交媒体工具和主办机构管理的网站将为这种长期参与提供认可，帮助参与者保持与该计划的联系。此外，项目资源还为成年家庭成员提供帮助，以培养和维持年轻人对STEM活动和职业的兴趣。该项目的主要工作将是为增强现实游戏开发一个名为TaleBlazer的新软件基础设施，使教师和学生能够开发自己的游戏，其中包括真实的数据收集和科学模型构建。 新平台将增强由NSF资助开发的游戏平台MITAR。

Informal Community Science Investigators (iCSI) creates a network of four geographically diverse informal science institutions working together on strategies to engage youth ages 10-13 through location based augmented reality (AR) games played on smartphones. These high-interest, kid-friendly games will be used by families visiting the institutions and by youth who enroll in more intensive summer camp programs. Using AR games, participants will engage in playful but scientifically-grounded investigations drawing on each institution's research, exhibits, and natural spaces. For example, a botanical garden might engage young visitors through AR games with themes related to native and invasive species, while a zoo might create a game experience focusing on illegal wildlife trade. Participants in the iCSI summer camp program will have more intensive experiences, including work with the host institution's scientists, opportunities to develop original augmented reality games, and experiences with game-related service learning and citizen science programs. For both target groups (families and campers), the location specific games build understanding of both the institution's mission and the broader realm of scientific research and application.The project will test the notion of participants as "learner hero," the link between game play and the individual's development of competency, autonomy and the relationship to real world experience, in this case through community action on the subject of the game developed. To that end, participants will be encouraged to extend their involvement through related investigations on site and participation in community activities and projects that can be done at home. Social media tools such as Facebook and web sites managed by the host institutions will provide recognition for this extended engagement, helping participants maintain ties to the program. Additionally, program resources provide assistance to adult family members in nurturing and sustaining youth interest in STEM activities and careers.A major effort of the project will be development of a new software infrastructure called TaleBlazer for the augmented reality game that will enable teachers and students to develop their own game that incorporates real data collection and scientific model building. The new platform will enhance the game play platform MITAR developed with NSF funding.