1. An on-line learning network
that turns the world around
us into an interactive
laboratory for STEAM*
learning and science fun.
*science, technology, engineering, art / design,
math

5. Underlying causes for poor STEAM prep?
•
Low levels of teacher preparation in
STEAM content.
• Low-resource / high-poverty schools.
• Little access to engaging real-world
projects... What s the point of learning
this?

6. •
Calvin s Dilemma:
The teacher-centered
classroom
•
•
Kids are assigned rote math and science
activities from school textbooks.
Kids must answer to teacher (v. to a team
effort). Proof of learning is the written answer.
Learning is disengaged from the immediate
problems of the environment and the desire to

7. Community Collaborative Design...
Freedom Games has engaged over 500 CPS students and teachers in
interactive design charrettes, asking What makes science learning fun and
engaging? What are barriers to STEAM learning? and “Where do you
see opportunities for STEAM learning in your neighborhood?

8. Key design question:
How can we better connect
students to science learning
opportunities and mentorship
that is relevant to their lives
and their questions?

9. Current state of
sustainability curriculum:
siloed
unclassified
disconnected

10. Young Scientist Toolbox
Helps to foster citizen scientist identity
for kids and teachers.
Satchel
Council
Badges

11. In your satchel:
Your own
interactive Citizen
Scientist
notebook.

12. In your satchel:
An interactive
map and compass
for science
learning
opportunities.

13. Question to youth:
If you had to design and teach your own science, what would it be?
Summary:
Youth want to learn through play, through service, and through experimentation-not through rote learning.

14. This is Darrell Jones,
Greencorps teen apprentice.
After seeing an abandoned gas
station and imagining a youth
center there, Darrell decided
to invent the science of
Rebuildology. How would
he experience the ParkLAB
interactive, student-driven
curriculum?

19. •
•
•
•
•
He is encouraged to
examine the world
around him as a STEAM
learning opportunity.
Darrell can identify his
own learning quests.
He can share about what
he is learning and
designing through a
portfolio style notebook.
His quests take him on a
virtual learning tour.
Through meaningful
choices, he orients
towards vocational
green builder
architect
engineer

20. What we did at the Hackathon...
•
•
•
•
Connected with design partners and built a design steering committee.
Look and feel ideas based on audience response.
Built part of front-end site in Html / Twitter Bootstrap.
Built curricular back-end engine.
PARKOSPHERIC COMPASS

21. Next steps
•
•
•
•
•
•
Get input from teacher-leaders on prototype design.
Develop a network of schools and science organizations willing to try a pilot
in Chicago region (Spanish and English). Create partnerships with science
organizations who want to share their curricular resources ( data ) through
interactive quest-based lessons. (ie. Greencorps, ATA, Argonne Labs)
Seek funding for pilot project and data collection. Create a crowd-funding
video that explains project; seek foundation grants.
Demonstrate a prototype with a network of schools and community
organizations. Demonstrate impact--collect data on learner progress.
Respond to pilot, iterate on and refine idea--what features are missing?
Create teacher- and school-focused marketing resources. Reach out to
teacher-leaders to promote project. Scale up with more school users.

22. Thank you!
Please let us know
any advice, opinions
and connections
you have to offer...

23. OUR TEAM
• Collaborative working style.
• Investigate problem with kids
and teachers as co-leaders.
• Build to help assist science
learning sector.