A Research Agenda for Adult Science Entertainment Events

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Research Agenda for Adult Science Entertainment Events
Language: English
Authors: Corinna West (ORCID 0000-0002-6767-6684), Noah Weeth Feinstein (ORCID 0000-0001-5071-7761)
Source: International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement. 2025 15(2):258-271.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Recreational Activities, Science Activities, Adult Programs, Informal Education, Science Education, Research Needs
DOI: 10.1080/21548455.2024.2380104
ISSN: 2154-8455
2154-8463
Abstract: There is an international trend towards fun, irreverent, and social events that feature scientific themes and content. We argue that these events -- what we call Adult Science Entertainment Events, or ASEEs -- are a distinct phenomenon in science education and science communication, deserving of study in their own right. In addition to their anticipated value to hosting organizations, ASEEs offer new opportunities for adults to form, transform, or affirm their science-related identities. They may also exacerbate existing inequities, however. In this article, we discuss the relationship of ASEEs to other informal science learning environments, provide a narrative review of the existing research on ASEEs, and offer a preliminary research agenda focused on describing the emerging field, documenting goals and impacts, and understanding the impact of design decisions.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1474722
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:There is an international trend towards fun, irreverent, and social events that feature scientific themes and content. We argue that these events -- what we call Adult Science Entertainment Events, or ASEEs -- are a distinct phenomenon in science education and science communication, deserving of study in their own right. In addition to their anticipated value to hosting organizations, ASEEs offer new opportunities for adults to form, transform, or affirm their science-related identities. They may also exacerbate existing inequities, however. In this article, we discuss the relationship of ASEEs to other informal science learning environments, provide a narrative review of the existing research on ASEEs, and offer a preliminary research agenda focused on describing the emerging field, documenting goals and impacts, and understanding the impact of design decisions.
ISSN:2154-8455
2154-8463
DOI:10.1080/21548455.2024.2380104