Justice-Centered Approaches and Impact Through the Adler Planetarium's Teen Programs (Poster 4)

• In Event: State of the Ever-Changing Field: Understanding Justice-Centered Efforts Across Informal STEM Learning Institutions

Abstract

Objectives/Purpose
Our programs create a structure of teen-led Research, Engineering, Advocacy, and Leadership (REAL) efforts that complements what youth learn and experience in the classroom setting—a space for students to play, learn, experiment, fail, and try again.

Perspective/Framework and Structure
The Adler Planetarium approaches its teen programs with a justice-centered, whole-person, and community-building approach. In our programs, teens come together from across the city, representing over 50 zip codes, including Chicago’s South and West side neighborhoods. In addition to the research and engineering experiences, the Adler's year-long Youth Leadership Council is a Teen Advocacy and Leadership Development opportunity centering the contributions of Teens within the museum community. Council members also share their expertise, perspectives, and ideas with Adler staff in our Guest Experiences and School Experiences departments on select projects each year. Membership on the YLC is a serious commitment of time, energy, and contribution of ideas. All participants across all Adler Teen Programs earn a paid stipend.

Argument
Hands-on engineering, design, experimentation, and research are the heart of the Adler’s teen programs. From our high-altitude ballooning program to our ground-breaking light-pollution investigation, the Adler connects teens to professional researchers and showcases how science is a team effort. Together they build confidence, develop scientific literacy and problem-solving skills, and discover passions for using their newfound talents to improve the world. For example, the council leads the development and curation of “BLACK HOLE: Teen Voices at the Adler.” Created by teens for teens, “BLACK HOLE: Teen Voices at the Adler” is a community-based project that combines creative expression, critical thinking, and radical imagination to examine topics that are most relevant to Teens and share resources. Teens also carry out science advocacy efforts in their communities, currently working with their alderpeople on an improved lighting ordinance through an environmental justice lens.

Significance
The goal of this structure is to support teans in gaining the confidence to raise ideas in a diverse group of peers and mentors and in spaces where they may not initially feel welcome.

Authors

• Kelly Borden, Adler Planetarium
  Presenting Author

• l o t i Walker, Adler Planetarium
  Presenting Author

• Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
  Presenting Author

• Waleska Do Valle Santos, Adler Planetarium
  Presenting Author

• Cynthia Tarr, Adler Planetarium
  Presenting Author

• Lauren Wisbrock
  Presenting Author

• Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
  Presenting Author