The Promise of Using Media to Engage Young Children and Their Parents in Science

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: Technologies in Their Lives: Families and Media

Abstract

This study examines the promise of using media to help young children and their families engage in science in the context of home visiting programs. During the study, English and Spanish-speaking low-income families who were enrolled in home visiting programs tested an app-based intervention that explored science over the course of three months through hands-on activities, media experiences, and supports for parents and educators. The research described in this paper investigates whether the intervention improves the capacity of parents/caregivers to support young children's science learning. This research aims to build practical and theoretical understanding of: 1) effective media-based family engagement models in science learning; 2) the supports that families and home educators need to implement these models.

Authors

• Megan Silander, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Michelle Cerrone, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Leslie Cuellar, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Lindsey Hiebert, University of Texas at Dallas

• Jennifer Stiles, Education Development Center, Inc.