High Desert Museum, partners share ‘STEMex’ grant

How might experts’ use of storytelling impact rural families’ interactions during Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities? This is a core question that the High Desert Museum and its partners, Oregon State University – Cascades and the Deschutes Public Library, will research, thanks to the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ $250,000 STEMeX grant.

The newly awarded grant, announced Friday and one of only four nationwide, will examine how the processes of inquiry and problem solving are embedded in STEM-based education for children and families from diverse economic, social and cultural backgrounds, and with different levels of knowledge or understanding about STEM.

“Our long-term goal is to build the capacity for STEM learning in this region and support scientific literacy. STEM’s interdisciplinary approach aligns with the Museum’s mission and lessons from this project with help shape the museum and library fields about the integral role they play in their communities as educational program leaders and conveners.” said High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw.

“Museums and libraries are well positioned to blend STEM education with other disciplines like art and history into our public offerings,” Whitelaw said

The research team will work with High Desert Museum curators and biologists, university professors, librarians and other experts (the “eX” part of STEMeX) and families, to discover the most effective aspects of inquiry-based STEM practices.

Outcomes from this project will inform museums and libraries about the integral role they play in communities through supporting STEM learning ecosystems, and ultimately establishing connections between school, work place, community and the global economy.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that, during the period from 2008-2018, employment in science and engineering occupations will grow by more than double, providing a robust job market for U.S. graduates.