Collaborative Research: Project STEAM: Integrating Art with Science to Build Science Identities Among Girls

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Abstract: Conner #1224020 The University of Alaska Fairbanks is partnering with the National Optical and Astronomy Observatory, the University of Alaska Museum of the North, and the University of Washington-Bothell to bring optics and biology content to art-interested girls through art-infused science experiences. This full scale development project, Project STEAM, is exploring the intersections between biology, physics, and art from the nano to macro scales. Middle school girls (including Alaska Native, Tohono O'odham, Pascua Yaqui and Hispanic individuals), their families, teachers, and Girl Scout Troop Leaders in two site locations (Fairbanks, Alaska and Tucson, Arizona) are participating in the project. Centered on the theme, "Colors of Nature," project STEAM will engage girls in science activities designed to enhance STEM learning and visual-spatial skills. Over the course of the project, 240 girls will participate in 2-week long summer academies. Another 1,500 girls will be reached through their Girl Scout Troop Leaders (n=15) who will be trained to deliver a modified version of the program using specialized curriculum kits. These kits and associated training will also be offered to K-12 teachers in both locations. In addition, over 6,000 girls and their families are expected to attend Project STEAM Science Café events held at local informal science education settings at each site during the academic year. In conjunction with the programmatic activities, a research investigation is being conducted to study the impact of the program on girls' science identities. Participant discourse, pre- and post-assessments, and observed engagement with the scientific and artistic ideas and tools presented will be examined and analyzed. A mixed-methods approach will also be employed for the formative and summative evaluations, which will be conducted by The Goldstream Group. The project endeavors to increase STEM learning and interest through art, build capacity through professional development, advance the research base on girls' science identities, and inspire and interest girls in STEM careers.