Leveraging Maker Learning in STEM to Promote Children’s Interest in Cancer Research: A Pilot Program

Children’s early awareness about cancer, through exposure to cancer biology and prevention strategies and research principles, is a promising focus of education and learning. It may also benefit the pipeline of people entering into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. We describe an educational pilot program for elementary school students, using developmentally appropriate activities focused on cancer at a museum dedicated to children’s maker-centered learning and STEM. The program was implemented through a public school in Washington, DC serving students underrepresented in STEM. Program conceptualization, museum and school engagement, and maker learning pedagogy are described, as well as curricular outcomes. A total of N = 111 students (44% female, 75% Black/African American, 5% Latine) participated in a day-long field trip. Museum educators, assisted by cancer center researchers, led a multipart workshop on cancer and the environment and hands-on rotation of activities in microbiology, immunology, and ultraviolet radiation safety; students then completed self-report evaluations. Results indicate that nearly all (> 95%) students practiced activities typical of a STEM professional at the program, and > 70% correctly answered factual questions about topics studied. Importantly, 87–94% demonstrated clear STEM interest, a sense of belonging in the field, and practice implementing skills for success in STEM (e.g., perseverance, imagination, teamwork). This pilot demonstrated acceptability and feasibility in delivering a cancer-focused curriculum to underserved elementary students using maker learning while favorably impacting key objectives. Future scale-up of this program is warranted, with the potential to increase students’ motivation to engage in STEM and cancer research.