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An extensive number of empirical research studies support the engagement of young children and youth in out-of-school science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics learning experiences. In this case study, we add to this knowledge base through examining how rural middle school learners engage with science and math concepts and practices through an afterschool program that emphasized the development of STEM content, skills, and practices using the field of archaeology, as well as Indigenous knowledges, as mediums. Results highlighted how various syncretic approaches within the afterschool program afforded 61 middle school aged learners’ opportunities to engage with math and science concepts common to archaeologists and Indigenous peoples. We illustrate this through five “doings.” For example, learners engaged in similar science practices to Indigenous peoples through considering how local landscapes and the natural environment informed decisions regarding settlements. This study concludes with recommendations for professional archaeologists and educators to adapt and/or develop a similar afterschool program to support students’ participation as ARCH + STEM learners.
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This content will become publicly available on April 1, 2026
It Takes a Network: How to Scale Up an Afterschool STEM Program
Quickly disseminating an innovative, timely afterschool program raises challenges, from recruitment and professional development to assessment, program fidelity, and quality. In this paper, we describe our experience as project developers, trainers, and researchers working with an afterschool network, Imagine Science, to disseminate a middle school club program about epidemic diseases and data. What we learned from working with this network may be useful to others who have created an afterschool science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program they hope to spread widely.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2313212
- PAR ID:
- 10630939
- Publisher / Repository:
- National Institute on Out-of-School Time
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Afterschool matters
- Volume:
- 39
- ISSN:
- 2690-2729
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 24-31
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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