Join the ATLAS Colloquium September 21, 2021 to hear Shaz “Dr. Z” Zamore’s talk, “Craniate - Informal STEM packages for the people.” With time-traveling, cyborg scientists, superpowered students, and experiments using fantastical devices, Craniate is creating a one-of-a-kind STEAM* learning experience! Craniate’s two-part package treats young minds to neuroscience through the interactive comic Axon Squad, complemented by MOD Capsule project-based experiments. With Craniate, Dr. Z is seeking to explore how scientifically authentic experiences, coupled with visual storytelling influences comprehension, as well as attitudes toward STEM and STEM belief abilities in middle school students with minoritized identities. In this talk, Dr. Z invites conversation about

1. The socioeconomic characteristics that beget performance disparities in the classroom

2. Identifying places in education where minoritized experiences are absent

3. How educational practices can shift to help close performance gaps in STEM classrooms.

There will be a brief discussion of developing research for commercialization and business models that further boost equity in classrooms. Dr. Z will close with a hands-on demonstration of a MOD Capsule kit and an introduction to the fabulous four in the AXON Squad.

Dr. Shaz Zamore is an instructor and STEAM outreach director at ATLAS.  They currently teach a new course The State of Technology (ATLS 4/5529-005) which examines tech-involved social problems focused on 4 main units: Human-Computer Interface (AI, assistive tech, robotics, UI), Mechanical Technology (agriculture, commercial and industry), Medical Technology, and Entertainment technology (art, creative, social media).

All students and faculty are welcome to attend these weekly ATLAS Colloquium talks which feature amazing guests from a variety of backgrounds and research or creative interests centered in computing, creative tech and design. Join us every Tuesday from 11:30-12:30 pm in the ATLAS Hackery (ATLS 208).