"Who" Is Coding? Coding Science in Museums as Cooperative Action

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: Learning as Co-Constructed

Abstract

Computational programming and simulation exhibits in science museums have received considerable attention recently (Hsi&Eisenberg, 2012; Horn et al., 2009; Lyons et al., 2015). These studies show that it is indeed possible for young learners and their families to engage meaningfully in practices of computational modeling and scientific reasoning within and across STEM disciplines. Our work illustrates how even preverbal babies can engage in computational modeling through participating in co-operative action with their parents and facilitators. The interaction we focused starts with the discourse from the parents positions the baby as someone who cannot have agency in the exhibit, however, the final statement from the dad is an acknowledgment of the baby’s newfound position as a programmer of the exhibit.

Authors

• Basak Helvaci Ozacar, University of Calgary

• Stephanie Hladik, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Marie-Claire Shanahan, University of Calgary

• Pratim Sengupta, University of Calgary