Museum design experiences that recognize new ways to be smart

Abstract

NYSCI’s Design Lab is an innovation laboratory for science, technology, engineering, and math learning through design. Developed for the general public, teachers, and schools, Design Lab includes a 9500 square foot museum exhibition with facilitated design activities, a series of digital resources and mobile tools for teachers and classrooms, and ongoing professional development of teachers. Contrary to inquiry-based science that aims for one elegant explanation to describe a wide range of phenomena, engineering design deals in situational tradeoffs where there are a number of right answers that depend on how you define the problem, the materials and tools available, and the context in which you intend to use your solution. NYSCI has been experimenting with how to create engineering design experiences that personally motivate all types of learners to wrestle with STEM-related content and to generate their own divergent solutions. In this chapter, we share insights into how the quality of the invitation into engineering activities allows different learners to experience success and to exhibit skill sets and expertise that aren’t always privileged in school. We also explore how museum-based design activities can serve as catalysts for teachers to witness their students’ strengths in action and the strategies and tools for extending engineering design into their classrooms.