The Science Learning Activation Lab

The Science Learning Activation Lab is a new research and development project whose goal is “to learn and demonstrate how we can activate children’s interest and curious minds in ways that ignite persistent engagement in science learning and inquiry.”  Here’s the link: http://activationlab.com/

Any project that focuses on children’s interests in science is interesting to me, especially when it includes a longitudinal research study. Some of the early findings were described in on the website’s research page: http://activationlab.com/research/

I particularly enjoyed reading this poster, that looked at the avenues that scientists and science educators followed to their careers. Two of those avenues–islands of expertise and connection to nature–are of particular interest to me: http://activationlab.com/wp-content/resources/aera2012/aera_research/3.2.pdf

So, I’m going to be following the Science Learning Activation Lab project as it develops over the next few years.