Students working in FUSE Studio

Research

Since its founding, FUSE has been focused on creating onramps into deeper STEAM engagement for all young people.

As a research project housed within Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, research is fundamental to our program.

Our research team uses an ethnographic approach (long-term studio observations, interviews, and website activity analysis) to study FUSE and its impact on youth, educators, and educational institutions. Since our research is ongoing, we adjust our program offerings and recommendations based on our findings.

Students collaborating in FUSE studio

When FUSE first launched, our research focused on questions like:

  • What do students in FUSE learn, and how do they learn it?
  • How does FUSE impact students’ interests in STEAM disciplines and fields?
  • What are the different ways students learn with and from other students?
  • How do students develop 21st-century skills in FUSE?
  • How do students extend and go beyond FUSE challenges?
FUSE Facilitator Training

Over time, we’ve also asked questions about the role of teachers and educators,both in the FUSE classroom and beyond:

  • What are the new roles that teachers play in FUSE classrooms?
  • How do teachers adapt FUSE to fit their local needs and goals?
  • How do these adaptations influence student learning experiences?
  • What are the conditions that influence how FUSE as an educational innovation is spreading and taking root in schools across the US?
Students working on FUSE Challenges

Most recently our research has explored questions including:

  • How have teachers adapted FUSE to remote and hybrid learning?
  • What impact have these adaptations had on students’ experiences of the program?
  • How can we ensure equitable access to STEAM interest development and learning for all learners in FUSE?

Research Support

Over the lifetime of the program, FUSE has been funded by several National Science Foundation Research Grants, including DRL-1348800, DRL-1433724, and DRL-1657438. We have also received several private foundation grants supporting research from The Nellie Mae Education Foundation.