Findings

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Science Learning Opportunities

A large majority of sites offered science (87%), but popular activities like arts, sports, or tutoring were provided more often
About half of sites (48%) offered science weekly or more, while about another half offered science less than weekly
Opportunities for youth to explore their worlds and answer their own questions using science inquiry were uncommon Science and Site Characteristics
Four site characteristics were associated with more frequent science, more inquiry practices, connecting to youth’s interests, and opportunities for youth choice and leadership:

Most sites (63%) had a partner who supported science programming – most often community-based organizations or school districts
Partners most often provided training, resources, or directly led science programming
Most sites with partners (95%) had one partner supporting their science offerings (5% had more than one partner)
Across the state, sites reported that most partners were local (within 50 miles)

Networks of support were not centralized or extensive
The network was generally made up of 1:1 connections, with some signs of nascent network components

Sites selected materials that were fun, easy to use, and had support features to help staff lead activities, such as discussion questions
Sites mostly used materials from the Internet and activity books, though curriculum materials had more support features for staff members
Sites planned one session at a time – even when they used curriculum
Sites are constrained by time and staff’s lack of science background