Connecting Kids to STEM at the Lancaster Science Factory
In October, Synoptic spoke with Emily Landis as part of a regular series of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion discussions, which are connected to our mission of breaking down barriers to education and vocation in STEM. Emily was most recently the executive director of the Lancaster Science Factory, whose mission is to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence by fostering an inclusive environment for hands-on STEM exploration. They actively seek to make the facility and educational programs accessible to all.
We learned about many ways in which commercial ventures took part in helping the LSF pursue its mission. Some institutions underwrite access programs such as Museums for All, Core Access program, Youth Access programs, and First Fridays, all of which give people the opportunity to attend the museum for free.
Small businesses are also involved through volunteer efforts large and small. Some groups volunteer as individuals, helping to run particular exhibits sporadically, or regularly. As the companies grow and begin to feel comfortable and find their fit at the museum, they may sponsor a monthly or an annual event of their own design. Often the LSF staff would help the team understand how to reach the demographic that is served by the museum.
In our conversation, we learned that LSF staff know that something is working well when an exhibit is “sticky” – the kids stick around and iterate on what they’re doing for 45 minutes or more. The staff wander the floor and simply observe what sparks joy, where are people having fun, what makes them interact.
In our conversation, we learned that LSF staff know that something is working well when an exhibit is “sticky” – the kids stick around and iterate on what they’re doing for 45 minutes or more. The staff wander the floor and simply observe what sparks joy, where are people having fun, what makes them interact.
Our discussion had us thinking and talking about how to bring some of our current work to a wider audience, perhaps through a venue like the LSF, in one of our local communities. A shorter-term, easier commitment might be to sign up as individuals or as a team to volunteer in a science museum, to get a feel for the experience and start making those connections.
