Signs for Science - (2021)
Signs for Science (2021) link
by Julia Candeloro, Lauren Ruiz, and Yaluo Wang
In collaboration with Sci4NY
Project Summary
Signs for Science is dedicated to building motivational, playful, and exciting STEAM posters for teachers and children. Signs for Science wants teachers to have easy access to printable classroom decor that inspires the next generation of leaders in STEAM. Throughout the posters, we strive to highlight underrepresented and marginalized pioneers in the STEAM industry.
Process
Our research began with interviewing members of our various communities; friends, classmates, family members, etc. Through this research we found a clear problem within STEM, which was the lack of diversity. To solve this problem, we found that it does not work to target older kids, as they already have an idea of what a scientist looks like and the careers that they may have. We wanted to target younger kids, to change the perception of scientist, and show them that anyone can work in STEM. We also researched different programs that encouraged kids to pursue STEM, and we also looked at what makes a classroom an important aspect of the learning environment. What is it about science classrooms that made them feel cold, uninviting, scary? What made art classrooms warm and opening? From this research and these discussion we realized that we wanted to make posters highlighting game changers within STEM, people that young kids could look up to, literally, while sitting in a classroom.
Outcome
The project addresses our question: How might we engage both teachers and students alike in STEM focused learning? The project is successful because we made many alterations that represent influential peopl in the science field despite barriros of culture, race, or gender. We specifically picked out mentors that were underrepresented in STEM fields. These were all firsts within their fields and broke boundaries, which is inspirational to children. If kids can see themselves be represented they will be inspired to participate in the STEAM field in the future. The posters include the color palette that we mainly design for children. Other elements, such as the blobs shape and the fonts, create for children to grab their interests. The online website has an accessible and comprehensive window for teachers to login and download their ideal posters.