Expressive Electronics: Engaging Libraries in Culturally Responsive STEM Programming

(2016 -2019)

PI: Dr. Patricia Garcia, University of Michigan School of Information
Institute for Museum and Library Services

Through a partnership with Ypsilanti District Library, Imperial County Free Library, Tempe Public Library, and the ASU Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology, Dr. Garcia's research team (the Culturally Responsive Computing Lab) is developing a culturally responsive and low-resource model for teaching computational thinking skills in libraries. The project focuses on improving non-cognitive outcomes related to girls’ self-efficacy and persistence, leverages available library resources and expertise, utilizes “unplugged” learning activities, and incorporates inexpensive technologies, such as paper electronics, Arduinos, and LittleBits.