NSF Org:	DRL Division Of Research On Learning
Awardee:	EXPLORATORIUM, THE
Initial Amendment Date:	April 1, 2005
Latest Amendment Date:	April 29, 2008
Award Number:	0452567
Award Instrument:	Continuing Grant
Program Manager:	Sandra Welch swelch@nsf.gov  (703)292-5094 DRL  Division Of Research On Learning EHR  Direct For Education and Human Resources
Start Date:	April 1, 2005
End Date:	March 31, 2010 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$0.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$1,987,626.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2005 = $642,683.00 FY 2006 = $690,963.00 FY 2007 = $653,980.00
History of Investigator:	Mike Petrich (Principal Investigator) mpetrich@exploratorium.edu Karen Wilkinson (Co-Principal Investigator) Kristen Murray (Co-Principal Investigator) Colleen Blair (Co-Principal Investigator) Samuel Dean (Former Co-Principal Investigator) Keith Braafladt (Former Co-Principal Investigator) Robert Lindsey (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
Awardee Sponsored Research Office:	Exploratorium 17 Pier San Francisco CA  US  94111-1455 (415)528-4444
Sponsor Congressional District:	12
Primary Place of Performance:	Exploratorium 17 Pier San Francisco CA  US  94111-1455
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	12
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s):	AISL
Primary Program Source:	490106 NSF, EDUCATION & HUMAN RESOURC 490106 NSF,Education & Human Resource 490106 NSF,Education & Human Resource
Program Reference Code(s):	9177, SMET
Program Element Code(s):	7259
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.076

ABSTRACT

The "Playful Invention and Exploration (PIE) Institute" is a three-year project to increase the capacity of museum educators and exhibitors to design and implement technology-integrated inquiry activities for the public. The collaborators include the Exploratorium, MIT Media Lab, Science Museum of Minnesota, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Explora Science Center and the Children's Museum of Albuquerque. The deliverables include a portfolio of technology-rich activities, professional development institutes, online educator resources and a handbook of pedagogical design principles for museum educators. This project builds upon prior NSF supported work that developed the PIE Network, which among other things developed the "cricket," an inexpensive computer that makes informal learning inquiry activities more compelling. This project has the potential to impact both the theory and practice of informal science education in museums. It will implement new theories and tools that represent a new approach to engaging and supporting visitors' learning experiences using play and experimentation that mirrors the processes of laboratory investigation. It also provides an innovative model of collaboration that develops and implements a major complex project by bringing together science centers with unique and complementary expertise.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.