The Organization of Informal Pathways into STEM: Designing towards Equity

Area of Science:

• Citizen Science
• Informal Science Education
• Genetics Education

Background:

• Promoting participation of marginalized groups in science remains a challenge.
• Despite educational research, progress in science equity has been limited.
• Inclusive design is a key strategy in informal and citizen science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the outcomes of a diversification effort in a museum-based citizen science genetics lab.
• To understand how intentional design for equity impacts program accessibility and participant engagement.
• To identify barriers to participation for underrepresented communities and facilitators of engagement.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic approach utilizing interviews, artifacts, and observations.
• Analysis of participant experiences within a museum genetics lab setting.
• Focus on a specific citizen science program's diversification initiatives.

Main Results:

• Intentional equity-focused design led to a more diverse and accessible citizen science program.
• Participants gained knowledge and skills in genetics within an inclusive environment.
• Relationships with diverse leaders were found to facilitate boundary crossing and positive science identities.

Conclusions:

• Specific design strategies can effectively increase diversity and inclusion in citizen science.
• Addressing barriers requires intentional efforts to create welcoming and supportive scientific spaces.
• Fostering relationships with diverse leaders is crucial for cultivating the next generation of scientists from underrepresented backgrounds.