A Community-University Research Partnership

@  TELUS  World  of    Science  

Andrew Scott Baron, Ph.D. Assistant Professor

Department of Psychology University of British Columbia

 

Living Laboratory Concept

Community – University partnership

Universities practice science

Museums translate science

Living Laboratory Concept

Platform for researchers - share and conduct research

- all working hours of museum Enhanced educational opportunities

- web, pod & video casts, workshops, staff training, Q&A, internships

Living Lab @ Science World

Partnership  btwn  UBC  Psychology  &  Science  World          Also  facilitate  other  labs/departments  conducCng  research  

   

Living Lab @ Science World

Single  research  experience  for  museum  visitors  

Noise    -­‐  babies,  kids,  adults,  staff,  animals,  shows,  loud  speakers  

 Distance    -­‐  far  from  campus,  lack  staff  support  solely  for  researchers  

 Space    -­‐  smaller,  less  control  over  use,  lower  tech    

Why Science Centers and Children’s Museums?

SubstanCally  improves  research  potenCal      

 -­‐  faster  (5  Cmes  a  normal  university  lab)      -­‐  beOer  generalizaCon  (SES,  culture,  educaCon,  etc.)  

   -­‐  supports  broader  studies  of  development  (infantsà  adults)          -­‐  enhanced  student  training  (knowledge  translaCon)  

Benefits to Science

Benefits to the Public

Museum Mission: Pique interest, inspire curiosity

Benefits to the Public

Museum Mission: Promoting understanding

- daily access to experts in cognitive development

- expanded educational programming

- enhanced transparency of research

Benefits to the Public

Museum Mission: Developing leadership

- science and education training

- Living Laboratory internship program

Living Lab @ Science World

January 2010: reached out to museum staff March 2010: set target of June as official test period April - June 2010: trained students, developed signage

Living Lab @ Science World

June - August 2010: students working 5 days a week September 2010 - onward: present 7 days a week

Living Lab @ Science World

January 2011: applied for federal grant to support LL June 2011: grant funded August - September 2011: construction of permanent

LL space December 2011: new space open to public

Science World at TELUS World of Science in Vancouver, BC

Example Research

ARtudes  and  Stereotypes  about  STEM    

Children  express  gender  stereotypes  about  STEM  from  age  7-­‐8  on.      InvesCgaCng    ways  to  change  children’s  beliefs  about  who  can  

excel  in  STEM    -­‐  includes  a  research  collaboraCon  with  Super  Science  Club  

   How  do  parents  influence  children’s  aRtudes  toward  STEM?  

Example Research

Thank you