2017 - 2020

The STEM Research Center was a research and evaluation partner with Little Yud Ventures and the PAST Foundation on the Explorer at Large (XAL) pilot program in Ohio.Through freely distributed videos and associated instructional materials (study and teacher guides), hands-on in-class and outdoor activities, field trips to relevant local settings, and parent-student engagements, XAL aimed to enable students across three cities in Ohio to experience and practice scientific thinking skills that would prepare them for advanced education and career success within a pedagogical approach that taps into children’s natural curiosity and playfulness.

The project developed a holistic ecosystem of curriculum-driven content that invited students on journeys in the field and the lab, together with experts in pursuit of knowledge and discovery, and provided corresponding resources and support for teachers and other educators. Explorer At Large’s goal was to engage students with elements of authenticity, real-world exploration, and live-action adventure and to deliver meaningful science content while preparing them for future learning and success in life.

The Center was funded by the Bezos Family Foundation and the Scott Foundation for Public Education to implement a research and evaluation study as a proof-of-concept exercise to demonstrate that the materials could be implemented by teachers successfully and in a way that resulted in positive outcomes for students. The first pilot targeted approximately 800-900 students from across 8 schools in the Central Ohio (Columbus) region. The study included approximately 35-40 classrooms total, including K, 3^rd, & 5^th grade. The project received additional funding from the School Foundation to expand to new schools across Ohio, and reached teachers and students in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Center Team:

Partner Institutions:

• Little Yud Ventures
• PAST Foundation