As part of GREAT!, project progress reports were submitted each year to the National Science Foundation. Copies of submitted reports, including interim evaluation findings, may be viewed below.
In June, 2001, the Miami Museum of Science received funding from the National Science Foundation . . . |
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In June, 2001, the Miami Museum of Science received funding from the National Science Foundation to design and implement an innovative model program to increase the confidence, interest and preparedness of girls (with emphasis on girls of color) to pursue academic and employment opportunities . . .
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Over the past three years, GREAT has engaged middle school girls in Saturday
and summer programming, helping them to acquire progressively complex
technology skills ......
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Towards the end of the program, the Museum contracted with independent filmmaker Piedad Palacios to produce a 7-minute video documenting the objectives and accomplishments of the GREAT project. In the girls own words, the video highlighted key factors contributing to the project's success including the Museum's informal learning environment, the use of cooperative, hands-on learning strategies, using technology to explore topics of interest to girls, support provided by college mentors, and the importance of parental involvement. ......
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Base Line Survey
A questionnaire using Likert scales and open-ended items was administered to
gather baseline evidence of
GREAT! participants' interests, knowledge,
skills and attitudes about math, science, engineering and information
technologies. The measure also assessed contextual information about
computer access, family and peer influences and general attitudes about
academic achievement.
| View survey |
Geo-Shapes Survey
The evaluation included an authentic assessment of girls' knowledge of
geometric concepts and their ability to apply them in new contexts.
| View survey |
Site Observation
An observation protocol was used in site visits to GREAT! sessions in the
Museum's Intel Lab to analyze learning events, tasks, approaches, conditions
and materials used in the learning environment.
Student Motivation, Self-Concept & Creativity Survey
This instrument is a pre- and post questionnaire that was used to measure
girls' self-confidence, creativity, attitudes toward learning and motivation
to succeed after participating in GREAT!
STEM Skill, Knowledge and Attitudes Assessment
GREAT! girls were administered a pre- and post questionnaire to collect
information about changes in their attitudes, confidence, skills and
knowledge related to math, technology, and science.
Structured Interviews
An interview protocol was used to videotape interviews with girls about
their STEM skills, knowledge and attitudes. The protocol also probed girls'
satisfaction with the program, as well as their uses of new technologies in
informal learning spaces. In addition, mentors were interviewed about their
experiences in the program. Parents were also interviewed about their
awareness and satisfaction with the program.
Tracking Attendance Data
Attendance was taken at every GREAT! session, and reasons for absences were
coded to track attendance and to identify barriers to retention.
Training Satisfaction Exit Survey
Mentors, who played a pivotal role in student learning in the GREAT!
program, completed a formative training satisfaction measure at the end of
each 3D Studio Max workshop.
