H2H Power of Play 2023 - 29

PLAY-BASED STEM EXHIBIT OBSERVATION TOOL
Score from high to low the play-based STEM and exhibit aspectss. note wht you observe within each construct.
CONSTRUCT
Play-based
STEM Design
How is the exhibit
designed so that
engagement
with the STEM
phenomenon is
embedded in the
play?
LOW
STRUCTURE
Play-based
STEM is:
* Imaginative
* Free of game-based
rules
* STEM and play are
both multi-modal
* STEM is co-created
and participatory
MODERATE
STRUCTURE
Play-based design is
a mix of high and low
structure
HIGH
STRUCTURE
Play-based
STEM is:
* Game-based
* Driven by challenge
or mastery
motivation
* STEM and play are
not multi-modal
* STEM is predetermined,
convergent
and
static
Play-based
STEM
Exhibit
Facilitators
How is the exhibit
designed for
facilitation of playbased
STEM?
Exhibit facilitates:
* Whole-body
(kinesthetic or
sensory play)
* Collaboration
(social play)
Play-based STEM
exhibit facilitators
are somewhere
between high and low
structure
Exhibit facilitates:
* Interaction (object
and game play)
* Independent play
Play-based
STEM
Exhibit
Design
Elements
How is the exhibit
designed for
children to engage
in play-based STEM
practices?
The exhibit offers:
* Diverse,
manipulative
materials (object
play)
* Guided prompts
for caregivers that
support flow of
play and use of
STEM practices
(inquiry, support ,
directing)
The exhibit offers
design elements that
are a mix of high and
low structure
The exhibit offers:
* Few or nonexchangeable
materials
(object
play)
* Didactic,
informational
signage (explaining,
directing)
JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON THE ACM GROUPSITE:
At your institution, what playful STEM exhibit assets come to mind?
What do you see as needs for play-based engagement with STEM phenomenon at exhibits?
childrensmuseums.org | 27
http://www.childrensmuseums.org
H2H Power of Play 2023

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