NISE Network Blog

Christina Leavell Solar Eclipse.jpg

To See or Not to See: A Recurring Question About Holding Eclipse Events Off the Path of Totality

February 9, 2024
Christina Leavell, Arizona State University
A personal story to answer the often asked question regarding eclipse events off the path of totality.
Hero image showing the 2017 total solar eclipse

Free public engagement resources to prepare for April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse

February 6, 2024
Catherine McCarthy, Arizona State University
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be seen in the US from Texas to Maine. States on the path of totality include: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. All of North America will have at least a partial solar eclipse (if skies are clear). The NISE Network has prepared resources to help you plan ahead to engage public audiences in your community:
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NISE Network Year in Review 2023

January 2, 2024
Catherine McCarthy, Arizona State University
When reflecting on this past year, we are filled with gratitude to be able to collaborate with all of you! This past year we continued to increase our capacity as professionals and organizations to engage the public in STEM topics throughout the United States. Our strength as a Network comes from our collaboration as dedicated professionals, and our impact comes from the work we all do to engage our local communities.
Society for Neuroscience 2023 conference Neuro Futures card game displayed on table

Changing Brains activities and poster at Society for Neuroscience conference

December 13, 2023
Catherine McCarthy, Arizona State University
A poster about the Changing Brains project entitled “New Tools for Neuroethics Engagement: Mutual Learning through Card Games & More,” was presented at the Society for Neuroscience annual conference Neuroscience 2023 held in Washington DC. Claire Weichselbaum and Jayatri Das also facilitated the Changing Brains activities, including the Neuro Futures card game, with conference attendees at the Dana Foundation reception.
Staff and Participants Pose for a Group Shot Inside in Front of an Inflatable Glove with the NASA Logo

Partner Highlight: NASA Langley Research Center Open House: The Museum of Life and Science, El Futuro, and El Centro Hispano Open Opportunities for Hispanic Families

December 12, 2023
Isabella Lima, Andrea Tejada, & Joan Ballista, Museum of Life and Science, Durham, NC
On October 21, 2023, after seven years since the last open house, NASA Langley Research Center welcomed the public to an open house for a unique opportunity to experience STEM, meet scientists, hear from an astronaut, and build community within an institution that seems exclusive to most. Over 40,000 guests participated, including 15 Hispanic families brought together by the Museum of Life and Science Education and Engagement team, and their co-collaborators El Futuro and El Centro Hispano, two community-based nonprofit organizations in North Carolina providing support to and promoting advocacy for Latino families.
Nanoinventum Logo - Text with NanoRobots Framing

Partner Highlight: NanoInventum in Spain and Grupo Quark in Mexico – Nano Co-creation Projects Provide Students with Creative and Meaningful Engagement with STEM

December 12, 2023
Christina Leavell, Arizona State University
A partner highlight about a nano co-creation project initiated in Spain now reaching Mexico to provide students with creative and meaningful STEM engagement opportunities.
NanoDays activities at Arizona Science Center October 2023 with visitors waiting at a table

Partner Highlight: Nanotechnology Day Activities in Arizona

November 8, 2023
Catherine McCarthy, Arizona State University
To celebrate Nanotechnology Day and the 20th anniversary of the federal act authorizing the creation of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, public engagement events were held at both the Arizona Science Center and Arizona State University during the month of October.
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Partner Highlight: Partners Celebrate the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse

November 8, 2023
Christina Leavell
Highlights from partner events celebrating the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse.
Greensboro Science Center family science night with families crowded around an hands-on activity table

Partner Highlight: Family Science Nights in Greensboro, NC

November 8, 2023
Catherine McCarthy, Arizona State University
Greensboro Science Center recently conducted Family Science Nights at two local Title 1 schools Jefferson Elementary School and Guilford Elementary Schools in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Build a Human Habitat on Mars - child building with bricks next to challenge cards

Build a Human Habitat on Mars Exhibit Summative Evaluation Findings

September 28, 2023
Catherine McCarthy, Arizona State University
A summative evaluation study of the Build a Human Habitat on Mars exhibit focused on several key aspects of public audience impacts and behavior: 1) What does visitor engagement look like with regards to activity enjoyment and interest?, 2) How relevant is the exhibit to visitors’ everyday life?, and 3) To what degree does the exhibit foster 21st Century Skills?