A strong education in STEM is essential for all students, whether they grow up to pursue a STEM career or just apply scientific reasoning and knowledge in their day-to-day lives. Yet, STEM education is struggling to produce graduates with the qualities and skills to keep the United States’ science and technology sectors competitive, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), a leading philanthropy providing funding and support to scientists and science education, has been engaged in an ongoing effort of finding innovative solutions to this critical problem.
Digital Science Education Resources
About This Project
Fluent has worked on multiple projects with HHMI, helping to identify the most promising and effective tools, resources, and program elements that would engage students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in science education and to inspire them to consider careers in science.
We have conducted numerous studies on behalf of HHMI informing the development and evaluating the efficacy of their digital educational resources for teachers and students, such as virtual labs, animations, science videogames, websites, and other educational digital media products. We have also examined the role of museums and aquaria across the nation in providing K-12 students with afterschool science education programs and evaluated the impact of those programs on students’ interest in science.
Our research has helped HHMI to design its digital products and make a desired impact on their target audiences. We have also provided intelligence on the optimal conditions for incorporating science education tools into classroom curriculum. Our research identified key elements that are essential for the success of science interventions in engendering student engagement and interest in science.