TERC Sessions at ASTC 2024

2024 Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois – September 28th-October 1st


Friday, September 27
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT Location: S103BC
Human-Centered AI: Developing Programs for Fostering Agency, Creativity, and Connection
Preconference Intensive
Session Leader: Dorothy Bennett
Presenters: Anthony Negron, Peggy Monahan, Pati Ruiz, Clarissa Buettner, Andee Rubin, Emily Reardon
Description: If we want Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prioritize our well-being, values, and thrive on diversity, we need to enable everyone to direct its future. This workshop will explore fostering human agency with AI through community engagement strategies and experiences in informal spaces for human growth, creativity, and social connection.

Saturday, September 28
3:25 PM – 3:40 PM CDT Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
Europa Prime: A STEM-Based Virtual Reality (VR) Experience and Other Digital Assets Co-Designed for Accessibility
Hands-On Showcase
Session Leader: Teon Edwards
Description: Come see and experience key aspects of a STEM-based virtual reality (VR) game, Europa Prime, and related (AR and 360) digital assets. We will showcase elements shaped extensively by a co-design process with neurodivergent learners (What are the affordances and challenges of VR for learners with sensory, attention, and/or social differences?), shifted by changes in the priorities of our museum partners (Does/Where does VR fit?), and focused by opportune timing (Given that we’re a learning game set on Europa, an icy moon of Jupiter, how can we tap into the launch of NASA’s Europa Clipper, scheduled for Oct 10?)

Sunday, September 29
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT Location: S102D
Object Elicitation Interviews: Engaging Youth in Conversations About Their STEM Learning Through Making
Experiential
Session Leader: Elise S. Levin-Güracar
Presenters: Ken Rafanan, Teresa Lara-Meloy, Imani Mitchell, Jad Eways,

Monday, September 30
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM CDT Location: S106B
Digital and Media Engagement – Co-Designing Immersive, STEM-Based Virtual Reality Experiences with Neurodivergent Learners
Lightning Session
Presenter: Teon Edwards