spectrUM offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year, including our museum public hours, clubs, camps, field trips, local and state-wide outreach, and events. These educational programs are designed to be free or low-cost for communities, with the ultimate goal of igniting passion for discovery through science. spectrUM approaches education through the spectrUM Six.
The spectrUM Six
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Asking questions promotes our natural sense of wonder and creativity, and drives us to explore. Critical thinking empowers Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to analyze and evaluate what they are told, leading to more independent thought.
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Growth mindset is about having a positive and resilient attitude. Someone’s basic strengths are just the beginning, and through trying again and working hard anyone can learn. This theory encourages life-long learning and equal opportunities for all by giving people agency in their education. People who embrace a growth mindset are more likely to overcome obstacles, reach their goals, and flourish.
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Students are more inspired when they think science is meaningful and affects the things they care about. When Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ think science is personally relevant and can make a difference, they are more invested and more likely to see themselves as scientists.
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Students benefit from seeing diverse role models, especially ones they can relate to, because it expands their idea of who can do science, and helps them imagine their own possibilities.
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Collaborating with others builds a network of support, creates opportunities, and provides better experiences for program participants by introducing new experts. Strategic collaboration is enriching for both the partner and participant experience, and provides a greater scope of inclusivity.
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Hands-on learning promotes a sense of curiosity and creates an immersive experience that Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are more likely to remember because it is fun. Hands-on learning also builds student confidence by creating an accessible pathway to science.