Association of Children's Museums InterActivity Conference 2024
Theme: Flourish
May 15-17, 2024
Hosted in partnership with
Madison Children’s Museum
Madison, WI
All concurrent sessions take place at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI 53703
More information:
https://childrensmuseums.org/interactivity/
Preliminary Program
https://childrensmuseums.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IA24-Preliminary-Program.pdf
Booth in the Marketplace - Exhibit Hall
The NISE Network will have a booth in the exhibit hall to connect with existing and new NISE Network partners.
Booth #33
Booth handouts include:
- Projects and Resources flyer (revised 4-2024)
- Ways to Use Resources flyer (revised 4-2024)
- STEM Learning Ecosystems postcard
- What is Learning conversation starter activity
Concurrent Sessions
How Can Children's Museums Participate in STEM Learning Ecosystems
Thursday, May 16, 3:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Madison Ballroom C
STEM learning ecosystems bring organizations together in a community to provide multiple pathways through a learner’s lifetime: at home, at school, at play, and at work. Children’s museums can play a big role in STEM learning ecosystems. This approach can help communities and neighborhoods flourish by sharing among community organizations and providing relevant content and opportunities for children and families. Hear real stories about the experiences of museums who currently participate in these ecosystems; learn about recent research into strategies for this approach and learn how to get involved.
- Catherine McCarthy, PhD, Arizona State University (moderator)
- Allison Anderson, Museum of Science, Boston
- Debbie Coppula, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
- Ali Jackson, Sciencenter
- Lynnsey Childress-Wimp, Discovery Lab
Hi AI! Playful Early Encounters with Artificial Intelligence
Friday, May 17, 1:15 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Hall of Ideas EF
Dive into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)! Learn strategies and techniques for engaging children and families creatively in this rapidly evolving technology that is already affecting our lives and transforming aspects of society. Discover a range of hands-on activities designed to engage families in understanding AI concepts playfully. Attendees will explore how robots and people are different, how facial recognition works, and how machine learning can be used in activities and exhibits. This participatory session will include facilitated table discussions about talking with children about the future and fostering intergenerational learning and curiosity about the possibilities of AI.
- Catherine McCarthy, PhD, Arizona State University
- Darrell Porcello, PhD, Children’s Creativity Museum
- Ari Krakowski, Lawrence Hall of Science
- Chip Lindsey, Discovery Lab
Focus on Frontline Staff
Friday, May 17, 2:45 p.m.–4:00 p.m
Madison Ballroom A
Our frontline staff and volunteers are the face of our organizations. They shape our audiences’ experience while articulating our vision and values as the direct contact between our institutions and the communities we serve. Investing in and supporting them is crucial, and in this session, we will be discussing various successful strategies to support these individuals to better adapt to changing visitor needs. We’ll explore new trends in visitor behavior, give participants an opportunity to discuss their own audience observations, and speak to adopting new policies that champion our frontline while also creating an inclusive environment for all audiences.
- Christina Leavell, Arizona State University
- Sarah Fox, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Annie Gordon, Sciencenter
- Bill Pariso, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
