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What is Shoestring Science?
Shoestring Science is made up of a group of informal educators who met while working at a regional science center and found a shared love of informal education and hands-on science activities done on a budget of pocket lint and gum. When it was time to move on in their careers, they wanted a way to share the techniques, skills, and tricks of the trade that they had accumulated. As a result, Shoestring Science was born!
Meet the team behind Shoestring Science
Ashley is a barista who wandered into the lab one day and never left. She loves combining scientific principles with tasty creations to inspire those around her.
Ashley Sloan
Hannah and Jordan are the co-founders of Shoestring Science and informal STEAM communicators. Hannah has a degree in biology from the University of Rochester and a Master's in education. Jordan has a degree in biology from UVA and is working towards a Master's in education.
Hannah Weiss and Jordan Thayer
Carly is an outdoor educator who loves all things science! When she's not buried under a pile of schoolwork, Carly loves coming up with new investigations to explore!
Carly McIver
Leilani is a musicologist who likes creating interactive art and science projects, drinking coffee and taking pictures of bugs.
Leilani Dade
What is informal education?
Informal education is a catch-all term used to describe education that happens outside of a classroom or school setting. Because the locations and restrictions of these informal settings vary wildly, it can be very difficult to adapt techniques and skills from a formal classroom. This blog aims to, in part, explore what these classroom techniques look like in informal settings.