As technology becomes a part of everyday life, it becomes even more important for youth to understand, enjoy, benefit from, and perhaps contribute to the intertwined fields of science, technology, engineering, and math - comfortably referred to as STEM. Much attention in recent years has been to broaden the demographic of those participating in STEM, ensuring those formerly under-represented are being especially welcomed. Such non-traditional educational players as NASA and PBS have contributed special online and broadcast programming, designed for broad appeal and easy access. Related key concept outcomes include planful and systemic thinking (problem solving, project management skills, cause and effect) that translate into behavioral applications as well.

About Science in Afterschool - National Partnership for Quality AfterSchool Learning / Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL)

Afterschool Programs: At the STEM of Learning - Afterschool Alliance Issue Brief (2006)

NASA and Afterschool Programs: Connecting to the Future - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Coalition for Science After School - "a strategic alliance among individuals and organizations from STEM education, youth development, and out-of-school time programs. The Coalition's mission is to coordinate and mobilize community stakeholders to strengthen and expand opportunities for young people to do and learn science in after-school settings."

International Technology Education Association - "the professional organization for technology, innovation, design, and engineering educators. Our mission is to promote technological literacy for all by supporting the teaching of technology and promoting the professionalism of those engaged in this pursuit. ITEA strengthens the profession through leadership, professional development, membership services, publications, and classroom activities." Includes lists of resources useful to afterschool programs.

Resources and References- National Partnership for Quality AfterSchool Learning / Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL)

Consumers Guide to Afterschool Science Resources - National Partnership for Quality AfterSchool Learning / Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL)

Math, Science and Engineering Resources for Girls - Girls Incorporated®

Great Science for Girls - Resource list of research, websites, webcasts and more!

No Cost

Exploring Water Science curricula and facilitators guide are available online. The project was a collaboration among the New Jersey Department of Education, Liberty Science Center and the New Jersey School-Age Care Coalition (NJSACC), to develop, pilot test and document a replicable model to enrich student learning and engagement in the afterschool setting. Funding was from the 21st Century Afterschool Science Project.

Highlights for Highschool Online curricula developed to provide free public access to all MIT's courses and curricula online.

NASA - NASA offers many, well constructed, no cost curricula - including some online. Topics include: Astrobiology, The Sun as a Star, Mars and Earth.

ZOOMsci Training - Learn how to lead science activities that get kids ages 8 to 11 exploring the world around them. (PBS)

DESIGN SQUAD - Broadcast engineering program for middle school youth. (PBS)

Kinetic City - This is a fun, Web-based after-school science club for kids, ages 8 through 11. (American Association for the Advancement of Science / National Science Foundation).

Afterschool Training Toolkit: Science  -  Extending science knowledge and skills in afterschool. (National Partnership for Quality AfterSchool Learning / Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL))

Great Science for Girls - Great Science for Girls: Extension Services for Gender Equity in Science through After School Programs (GSG) works with Intermediaries to build the capacity of after-school centers to deliver evidence-based programming that will broaden and sustain girls' interest and persistence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Online

NEW NASA's Space Place - a great newsletter for those interested in space-based activities and ideas. Click here to view a recent issue of their newsletter.

Marketplace 

AfterSchoolPRO's Searchable Vendor Directory - Select "Math and Science" or "Technology and Internet" from the pull-down subject menu.

Big Thought  (Dallas) - collaborations with community

Techbridge  (Oakland, CA) - encouragement for girls in science, technology and engineering

The Gender Chip Project - (Cincinnati) "Helping adults recruit, prepare and retain girls in STEM courses, after-school programs and extra-curricular opportunities."

Evidence-Based Programs - Great Science for Girls  -(New York)"Four evidence-based programs have been selected...Great Science for Girls Extension Services: After-School Science PLUS, Girls at the Center, Girls Inc. Operation SMART, and Wonderwise 4-H. These programs have been professionally evaluated and have shown positive outcomes in relation to girls and STEM. Additional programs that meet the...criteria will be added throughout the project."