Topic: Informal Learning

Informal learning occurs in many venues outside of schools: in museums and community centers, through the media, and increasingly through Web sites. Educators recognize the value of capitalizing on these opportunities to extend the learning of children and adults alike. The National Science Foundation, for example, supports a wide range of research studies on informal learning, and Rockman has often served as the evaluator for these projects and programs.

Animation Program The goal of the ACME Network’s ACME Animation program is to create a permanent continuum for skill development, school achievement, and career success in art and animation for diverse and economically disadvantaged youth and young adults. REA served as the evaluator this program. more» Client: The ACME Network Funding Agency: The ACME Network Topic: Instructional Materials/Programs, Informal Learning, Web Sites, Distance Learning

Audience Study for Science Video Project Through surveys and interviews of people participating in science-related educational programs and lecture series, Rockman et al sought to better understand the needs of the target audience and their potential interest in a new, high-level, science video series... more» Client: Undisclosed Funding Agency: Undisclosed Topic: Informal Learning

Bill Nye the Science Guy Bill Nye the Science Guy is a high energy, inquiry-based educational television program presenting science content directed at fourth grade students... more» Client: KCTS, Seattle Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF) Topic: Instructional Materials/Programs, Informal Learning, TV/Radio

Build San Francisco Rockman et al developed a system for assessing the degree to which the Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (AFSF)'s Build SF students acquire and master a range of 21st Century Learning Skills in their program mentorships. more» Client: Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (AFSF) Funding Agency: Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (AFSF) Topic: Assessment, Informal Learning

Critical Choices Rockman et al worked in conjunction with an internal evaluator at Northern Illinois University to evaluate the development of an online program to teach soft skills (time management, conflict resolution, professional behavior, etc.) to unemployed and underemployed individuals... more» Client: Northern Illinois University Funding Agency: U.S. Government: Learning Anytime, Anywhere Program Topic: Informal Learning, Web Sites, Technology and Education, Distance Learning

DNA Files SoundVision Productions is developing a sequel to the award-winning DNA Files radio program. It is designed to educate the general public on topics related to genetic science. The accompanying Web site is designed to provide additional educational resources even after the program is off-air. more» Client: SoundVision Productions Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF) Topic: Informal Learning, TV/Radio, Web Sites

DragonflyTV Rockman et al developed an impact study for the educational television program: DragonflyTV, a science program for and about 9-12 year old children, during its second season… more» Client: Twin Cities Public Television Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF) Topic: Informal Learning, TV/Radio

East Bay Academy for Young Scientists (EBAYS) East Bay Academy for Young Scientists (EBAYS) is an NSF-funded after-school and summer program serving under-represented students in grades four through eight in the cities of Emeryville and west Oakland, California. The EBAYS project engages students in inquiry-based learning activities on topics aligned with state and national earth, physical, life science, and information technology (IT) education standards. In addition, the project features a student research component that provides opportunities for youth to collect, organize, analyze and present information concerning local environmental, health, cultural, and socio-economics issues. The project also provides science teachers who work with these students with professional development in inquiry-based teaching strategies. more» Client: Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF) Topic: Assessment, Instructional Materials/Programs, Informal Learning, Professional Development, Community Outreach, Technology and Education

Environmental Science Information Technology Activities (ESITA) The Environmental Science Information Technology Activities (ESITA) project is a youth-based program that provides an opportunity for high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn about and use information technology (IT) through science exploration. more» Client: Lawrence Hall of Science Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF) Topic: Assessment, Informal Learning, Technology and Education

Evaluation of QUEST Rockman et al conducted an evaluation of KQED’s QUEST initiative — an effort to tap into the Bay Area's interest in science-environment-nature — to inform project designers about the effectiveness of its internal collaborative strategies, the perceived and realized value of its partnerships with regional institutions, and the quality of the pilot materials developed for this new initiative. more» Client: KQED Public Television Funding Agency: KQED Public Television Topic: Informal Learning

Evaluation of QUEST - 2 QUEST is a science and nature show based in the northern California geographic area. In 2006, REA conducted an evaluation of a pilot of this series. In 2007, REA began a second evaluation of QUEST in order to provide ongoing and summative feedback to KQED, funders, and partners that will continue through 2009. Evaluation activities include gathering data about: 1) impact on the broadcast audience via online surveys, 2) the quality and impact of educational outreach workshops through survey data and follow-up in a sample of classrooms, and 3) the nature and quality of partnerships through in-depth interviews with project partners. more» Client: KQED Public Television Funding Agency: KQED Public Television Topic: Informal Learning

Evaluation of the Youth Radio Science and Technology Program Youth Radio's (YR) mission is "to promote young people's intellectual, creative and professional growth through training and access to media and to produce the highest quality original media for local and national outlets." Their NSF-funded Science and Technology Program (STP) consists of developing a Digital Technology Institute and YR Science Desk as new components of the existing YR organization. Rockman is evaluating the implementation of the program and its impact on 21st Century Skills, media literacy, attitudes toward technology, and awareness of science in society. more» Client: Youth Radio Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF): Informal Science Education (ISE) Program Topic: Instructional Materials/Programs, Informal Learning, TV/Radio, Technology and Education

Havenscourt Salad Bar Evaluation REA conducted an evaluation of the impact of a salad bar implementation at the Havenscourt Middle School complex in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Project evaluation included pre-implementation student surveys and interviews, lunchroom observations, and post-implementation interviews with key project stakeholders (students, teachers, and administrators). more» Client: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Funding Agency: Bechtel Jr. Foundation Topic: Informal Learning, Community Outreach, School Services

Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Adventures REA served as the evaluator of educational outreach activities for a new six-part KQED series called Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventure. more» Client: KQED Public Television Funding Agency: The Dow Chemical Company. Additional Major Support from: the William K. Bowes Jr. Foundation, Ann Bowers and The Robert Noyce Trust, the William and Gretchen Kimball Fund, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Topic: Instructional Materials/Programs, Informal Learning, TV/Radio, Professional Development, Community Outreach, Technology and Education, Informational Media

Learning Without Borders Artists delivered two 10-week performing arts units each year to all fourth graders in three West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) elementary schools. Teachers and artists attended workshops during the school year. more» Client: East Bay Center for Performing Arts (EBCPA) Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Topic: School Reform, Instructional Materials/Programs, Informal Learning

NewsHour with Jim Lehrer Science Reports Rockman et al's evaluation incorporated formative elements in a study of the impact of science segments aired during this popular PBS television news show. Reports of the impact study informed further productions over the multi-year project. more» Client: MacNeil/Lehrer Productions Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF): Informal Science Education (ISE) Program Topic: Informal Learning, TV/Radio

Science and Math in Spanish-language Media The Science and Math in Spanish-language Media Project designed by Lawrence Hall of Science will bring standards-based science and math activities into the homes of Latino communities traditionally underserved by science centers. REA is the project's external evaluator. more» Client: Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF): Informal Science Education Program (ISE) Topic: Informal Learning, Community Outreach, Informational Media

Science Fiction Museum During the first part of 2004, Rockman et al conducted a series of research activities for the Science Fiction Museum that were designed to identify potential museum visitors’ perceptions of the relationship between science fiction and science... more» Client: Experience Learning Community (ELC) Funding Agency: National Science Foundation Topic: Informal Learning, Museum

Seeing in the Dark Seeing in the Dark, a documentary film about stargazing directed by Timothy Ferris, is based on Ferris' book (of the same name) that was named by The New York Times as one of the 10 best non-fiction books of 2002. Rockman et al is conducting a formative and summative evaluation of the project's media components, including the appeal and educational value of the film itself, as well as its accompanying Web site. more» Client: Tim Ferris Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF): Informal Science Education (ISE) Program Topic: Informal Learning, TV/Radio, Web Sites, Informational Media

Solar Schools Evaluation Rockman et al is conducting an evaluation of Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E’s) Solar Schools program. Solar Schools was developed to educate students, teachers, and communities about: the importance of electricity as an energy form, the value of renewable solar energy in meeting current and future energy needs, and solar energy technologies. more» Client: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Funding Agency: Bechtel Jr. Foundation Topic: Informal Learning, Professional Development, Community Outreach

Where Fun and Learning Click! Rockman et al coordinated a comprehensive literature review related to the design of Web resources for children. Researchers then worked closely with five Web site design teams to gather user feedback... more» Client: Corporation for Public Broadcasting Funding Agency: Corporation for Public Broadcasting Topic: Informal Learning, Web Sites