The NISE Network is conducting several multi-year research projects looking at different aspects of the Network that have the potential to inform the field of informal science education. While the evaluation studies conducted by the NISE Network measure progress toward NISE Net goals, the research studies are designed to generate findings that will inform and advance the broader field of informal science education.
Below is a description of these projects. Most of these research studies are working with NISE Net partners and are looking for additional partners throughout the Network. For more details and ways to get involved, contact members of the research team.
1. Museum-Scientist Partnerships:
This project examines the nature and impacts of the development of partnerships between informal science institutions and practicing scientists. We are interested in learning how museum-scientist partnerships create useful and meaningful representations of complex and cutting-edge scientific and socioscientific concepts. How these representations underpin the development of informal education materials, experiences and approaches that are used by museum exhibit designers and program staff. How new products and practices resulting from museum-scientist partnerships are used in supporting and expanding the NISE Network.
- timeline: 2011-2015
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ways to get involved:
This research project is actively seeking partners within the NISE Network to collaborate on this work who currently are or have historically been working collaboratively to produce representations that become part of exhibits, materials, designed experiences, and other products in the network. There are a variety of ways for you to help us:
a. Let us know if you are available for an interview
b. Allow us to arrange a focus group with you as a participant
c. If you are forming a new museum-scientist partnership to develop a product, allow us to attend your working sessions -
for more information:
Tina Stanford, SRI, tina.stanford@sri.com
Denise Sauerteig, SRI, denise.sauerteig@sri.com
2. Organizational Change:
This study examines whether and how organizations affiliated with NISE Net experience change in practices. Previous studies from formal education and other fields have shown that networks can serve as a powerful impetus for change as they enable the introduction of new practices and ideas into an organization through frequent interactions with other similar organizations. This study looks at partners and explores the conditions that facilitate or impede the adoption of NISE Net-related practices within these organizations.
- timeline: 2011-2015
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ways to get involved:
This project will be utilizing a case study methodology, where only 3 to 5 partner institutions will be asked to participate in an in-depth manner. -
for more information:
Christine Reich, Museum of Science, creich@mos.org
Marta Beyer, Museum of Science, mbeyer@mos.org
3. Evidence-Based Decision Making:
This project focuses on exploring the different ways NISE Net can engage visitors in making decisions related to the societal and ethical implications (SEI) of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.
- timeline: 2011-2015
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ways to get involved?
The SEI research project is actively seeking partners within the NISE Network to collaborate on this work. If you are developing a NISE Net product and thinking about incorporating SEI topics, we would love to have a conversation with you! There are a variety of ways for you to partner with us:
a. Working with the Research team to co-develop a new SEI-focused NISE Net product.
b. Implementing your existing SEI product, perhaps in a new context, and allowing the Research team to collect data on it.
c. Working with the Research team to “retrofit” an existing product with SEI content. -
for more information:
Kirsten Ellenbogen, Science Museum of Minnesota, kellenbogen@smm.org
Elizabeth Kunz Kollmann, Museum of Science, ekollmann@mos.org
Gina Svarovsky, Science Museum of Minnesota, gsvarovsky@smm.org
