Organization(s): Horizon Research, Inc., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Education
Funding agency: National Science Foundation
Program: Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)
HRI Role: Research
Project Description
HRI’s and UNC’s research teams are working with Strategic Partners, who provide college and career readiness and pathway programs to youth, and Career Partners, who are STEM professionals from underrepresented groups to develop and study three simulation modules. The simulation modules are designed for use in informal learning environments (ILE) serving youth in grades 6 to 12, primarily African American and Latinx who would be first generation college students in their families. Each module focuses on two STEM career fields that uses mathematics and includes a simulated, first-person collaborative work environment. The CASCADE modules promote learning of collaborative skills for addressing mathematics tasks arising in STEM career fields, and STEM career identity. The research examines engagement and outcomes for youth who use the CASCADE modules in ILEs, as well as the supports ILE staff need to use them productively in their programming for youth.
Research Purpose
CASCADE addresses the following research questions:
- How can the CASCADE modules be developed to support mathematics collaborative skills and STEM career identity?
- What program support materials are needed for the enactment of CASCADE modules in ILEs that serve youth from groups currently underrepresented in STEM career pathways?
- What evidence can be documented: (a) of impacts on mathematics collaborative skills and STEM career identity when CASCADE modules are enacted in ILEs serving youth from groups currently underrepresented in the STEM career pipeline, and (b) of the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the CASCADE modules in ILEs.
