Inclusive Audiences

Informal STEM education is designed for everyone! NISE Network creates materials that educators and STEM professionals can share with lifelong learners of all ages and backgrounds.

NISE Network is committed to promoting inclusive, equitable, and accessible opportunities for diverse learners to engage in STEM.

By gathering, studying, and sharing evidence about what works best, the Network is continually improving in its efforts to involve all people in learning about and contributing to STEM.

NISE Network and our partners strive to include a diverse audience with regard to geography, dis/ability, gender, race/ethnicity, language and income. Some examples of this work include:

Practices: using evidence-based practices that support meaningful participation and learning by diverse communities
Partnerships: collaborating across networks and organizations to ensure broad geographic and demographic participation
Cognitive and physical accessibility: using Universal Design principles and accessible practices for educational materials and learning experiences
Cultural relevance and language: using culturally inclusive and sensitive practices and offering materials in languages other than English (NISE Network projects offer many of our materials in Spanish)

Discovery Museum building

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Applying universal design guidelines improves access for all audiences and also allows layering of content for preschool through adult audiences.

DENISE LEBLANC

formerly of The Discovery Museum

Selected Resources for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI)

Racial Justice

A compilation of resources for museum educators about racial justice, equity, and inclusion. NISE Network and our partners are committed to playing our role in building a just future. Nationally and locally, we know we must address the persistent, undeniable racism in our communities.

two learners looking at a gecko in a purple and clear aquarium

Translation Process Guide

Professional development guide for educators from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network.

family using a balancing table with wooden blocks to talk about Nano in society

Bilingual Design Guide

Professional development guide for educators from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network.

Group photo of attendees of the Bilingual Audiences Workshop in Houston

Bilingual Audiences Workshop Resources

In June 2013, NISE Net partners representing twenty informal education centers around the country explored how to better engage Hispanic/Latino audiences with nanoscale science, technology, and engineering. Workshop resources include the agenda, information on sheltered instruction, presentation slides, TBI resources, and workshop handouts.

Spanish Language Translations and Bilingual Resources

Many NISE Network educational products are available in Spanish! Based on input from NISE Network partners, we have adapted our most popular public activities and programs for Spanish-speaking audiences. The NISE Network also has created professional development tools for bilingual graphic design and the translation process.

Solar System Ambassador facilitating an activity at an Earth and Space event

Tips Sheets for Engaging Public Audiences

A collection of tips sheets for engaging public audiences in hands-on STEM activities. Specific sheets for: girls, young learners, bilingual audiences, preparing guest speakers, creating conversations, difficult concepts, and accessibility and inclusion.

Resources for Specific Audiences

Children listening wearing paper elephant ears in Horton Senses Something Small NanoDays activity

Early Learners

A collection of activities and resources for young leaners and early childhood educators.

Girls looking a the Moon Game

Girl Scouts

A compilation of resources for collaborating with Girl Scouts and engaging girls and young women in STEM.

Online Workshop Recording: Nano Brown-Bag: Tips and Tricks for Engaging Girls in Museum Programming

Online professional development workshop recording (2014)

Featured Universal Design Professional Resources

Image of the cover for the Universal Design Guidelines for public programs in museums booklet on green background featuring three learners in front of test tubes

Universal Design Guidelines: Programs guide

Professional development guide for educators, researchers, and network leaders from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network .

Image of the Universal design booklet cover featuring a blue background and a young girl interacting with a display monitor

Universal Design Guidelines: Exhibits

Professional development guide for educators, researchers, and network leaders from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network in 2009.

Online Workshop: Programming for Audiences with Special Needs

Online professional development workshop recording (2019).

Online Workshop Recording: Nano Brown-Bag: Universal Design of Programs Workshop Follow-Up

Online professional development workshop recording (2013).

Online Workshop Recording: Nano Brown-Bag: Universal Design for Public Programs

Online professional development workshop recording (2012).

Adult visitor engaging with Carbon Nano-Tube puzzle exhibit component

Universal Design of Educational Programs In-Person Workshop Resources

Professional development resources for educators focused on Universal Design of educational programs (2013).

More Universal Design and Accessibility Resources

Collaboration to Reach Different Audiences

Working with STEM Experts Guide cover including an image of expert puring a liquid and using a strainer with a girl and her family at a museum public event

Working with STEM Experts: A Guide for Educators in Museums and Other Informal Learning Settings

Professional development guide to help informal STEM educators find, prepare, and work with STEM experts to engage with the public.

Families collaborating on a project

Collaborations

NISE Network encourages partnerships among museums, universities, and other organizations that support lifelong STEM learning. By collaborating, we can leverage our complementary strengths and resources and achieve outcomes we couldn't do alone!

cover of the collaboration guide on blue background

Museum & Community Partnerships: Collaboration Guide and additional resources

Professional development guide for educators, researchers, and network leaders from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network