What is LEAP into Science?
In October, 2007, The Franklin Institute Science Museum in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia was awarded a 5-year National Science Foundation grant to build a model museum/library partnership. This partnership project, titled LEAP into Science, has three overarching goals:
- To increase the capacity of influential adults for science teaching and learning;
- To increase the capacity of libraries for science teaching and learning;
- To understand the ways in which science and literacy can be connected in order to promote children's and families' engagement in both of these areas.
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The Franklin Institute's strength in science programming and the Library's expertise in children's literature result in an innovative after-school program connecting books and science. LEAP into Science takes places during the established LEAP after-school program at the Library and the program is facilitated by an after-school staff of adults and teens. The library environment is an ideal setting for informal science programs. With ready access to books and the internet and a desire to support kids' scientific exploration, libraries can provide educational science opportunities for children and families during after-school hours, on evenings or weekends.
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Where is the LEAP Program Happening?
Individuals and Families interested in participating in a program:
Philadelphia Free Library locations that are currently piloting The LEAP into Science program are Blackwell Regional Library, Central Branch, Lillian Marrero Branch, Logan Branch, South Philadelphia Branch, and Widener Branch. We will be expanding to more Free Library of Philadelphia libraries in fall of 2009. Check back for details!
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How do Library and Museum Professionals get involved?
Library and Museum Professionals interested in implementing LEAP into Science:
LEAP into Science will serve as a model program that other urban science centers, libraries and after-school environments can use to build science interest and engagement among children, youth leaders, after-school staff, and families.
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In Spring 2010 (Year 3 of LEAP Into Science), 25 representatives from urban library systems, along with partnering after-school providers and science centers, will be invited to a conference to discuss LEAP into Science findings to date and address issues of replicability for a wider national audience. The conference will provide an opportunity for experienced sites to share with the field, and sites new to science programs and partnerships to explore their potential.
If you would like to be added to the contact list for more information about this event, email your contact information to us at leapteam@fi.edu, and put "LEAP into Science Conference" in the subject line. Following the conference, three attending sites outside of Philadelphia will be selected to serve as test bed sites for the study during the 2010-2011 school year.
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Are you an AL or ASL doing LEAP into Science programs at your library? Email leapteam@fi.edu to give us your feedback/evaluation!
This work is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant #0714658. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the project team and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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