Making Space for All: Developing Partnerships to Improve STEM Programs Including Students with Disabilities

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $149,982 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project will explore partnerships to learn how to advance accessibility in informal STEM learning experiences for all students including students with disabilities. The project investigates best practices in establishing partnerships for informal science learning organizations that work with elementary and middle school youth who are deaf and hard of hearing, and/or blind and low-vision. Within each Challenger Learning Center are immersive environments in which the participants, primarily middle school students, roleplay as scientists, engineers, medical professionals, and other STEM occupations on a realistic space mission. There is a mission control room and a room that looks like the interior of a spacecraft. The rooms include real science equipment, computer workstations, and audiovisual equipment--a hybrid of digital and physical STEM learning. The simulated missions to space: 1) deepen learner engagement and interest in STEM, 2) build STEM identity, 3) increase STEM self-efficacy, 4) introduce youth to a range of STEM careers, and 5) enable learners to practice skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem solving. The goal is to inspire all young learners - irrespective of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or disability status - to stay engaged with STEM throughout their education and life and feel capable and empowered to pursue STEM careers. A design thinking approach is implemented in these seven phases: empathize, define, inquire, imag

Key facts

NSF award ID
2517133
Awardee
Challenger Center for Space Science Education (DC)
SAM.gov UEI
LCG6HN9FDHC4
PI
Kevin R Harrell
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
Estimated total
$149,982
Funds obligated
$149,982
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/15/2025 → 02/28/2027