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Inclusive Audiences

Informal STEM education is designed for everyone! NISE Network creates materials that educators and STEM professionals can share with lifelong learners of all ages and backgrounds.

NISE Network is committed to promoting inclusive, equitable, and accessible opportunities for diverse learners to engage in STEM.

As the NISE Network continues to move forward in our efforts to inspire and support a lifetime of STEM engagement, we seek to ensure that our work embodies the principles of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI). 

By gathering, studying, and sharing evidence about what works best, the Network is continually improving in its efforts to involve all people in learning about and contributing to STEM.

DEAI Booklet Cover showing an illustration of a diverse group of people


NISE Network 
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) Booklet:
Tools for Engaging Communities and Incorporating DEAI Practices into Informal STEM Projects

The tools, practices, and project examples are designed to support NISE Network partner efforts in making their experiences more relevant and inclusive in order to promote a more equitable STEM future in our local communities.

 

NISE Network and our partners strive to include a diverse audience with regard to geography, dis/ability, gender, race/ethnicity, language and income. Some examples of this work include: 

  • Practices: using evidence-based practices that support meaningful participation and learning by diverse communities 
  • Partnerships: collaborating across networks and organizations to ensure broad geographic and demographic participation
  • Cognitive and physical accessibility: using Universal Design principles and accessible practices for educational materials and learning experiences
  • Cultural relevance and language: using culturally inclusive and sensitive practices and offering materials in languages other than English (NISE Network projects offer many of our materials in Spanish)
Discovery Museum building
Applying universal design guidelines improves access for all audiences and also allows layering of content for preschool through adult audiences.

DENISE LEBLANC

formerly of The Discovery Museum

Selected Resources for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI)

DEAI Booklet Cover showing an illustration of a diverse group of people

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) Booklet

Tools for engaging communities and incorporating DEAI practices into informal STEM projects. The tools, practices, and project examples are designed to support NISE Network partner efforts in making their experiences more relevant and inclusive in order to promote a more equitable STEM future in our local communities.
Black Lives Matter icon

Racial Justice

A compilation of resources for museum educators about racial justice, equity, and inclusion. NISE Network and our partners are committed to playing our role in building a just future. Nationally and locally, we know we must address the persistent, undeniable racism in our communities.
Translation Process Guide cover showing Latino mother and daughter having conversation about an exhibit

Translation Process Guide

Professional development guide for educators from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network.
Bilingual Design Guide cover showing Latino family having conversation about an exhibit

Bilingual Design Guide

Professional development guide presenting a variety of interpretive and design strategies the Network has used for different bilingual products, including exhibits, programs, and media.
Group photo of attendees of the Bilingual Audiences Workshop in Houston

Bilingual Audiences Workshop Resources

In June 2013, NISE Net partners representing twenty informal education centers around the country explored how to better engage Hispanic/Latino audiences with nanoscale science, technology, and engineering. Workshop resources include the agenda, information on sheltered instruction, presentation slides, TBI resources, and workshop handouts.
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Spanish Language Translations and Bilingual Resources

Many NISE Network educational products are available in Spanish! Based on input from NISE Network partners, we have adapted our most popular public activities and programs for Spanish-speaking audiences. The NISE Network also has created professional development tools for bilingual graphic design and the translation process.
Solar System Ambassador facilitating an activity at an Earth and Space event

Tips Sheets for Engaging Public Audiences

A collection of tips sheets for engaging public audiences in hands-on STEM activities. Specific sheets for: girls, young learners, bilingual audiences, preparing guest speakers, creating conversations, difficult concepts, and accessibility and inclusion.
Earthrise Apollo 8 image Image Credit: NASA, Apollo 8 Crew, Bill Anders; Processing and License: Jim Weigang

Making Earth & Space Science More Relevant and Inclusive

These professional learning resources are based on materials developed for the NISE Network’s Earth & Space Project-Based Learning Community which took place in 2021-2022. This project supported museums and science centers across the U.S. in their efforts to make Earth & Space science relevant and inclusive for their local communities. This collection features resources and recordings presented during this virtual online learning community.