Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation

Science educators are faced with the challenge of addressing new audiences not always well served by traditional presentations of scientific material. Informal, or free-choice learning, occurs outside the classroom and is largely under the choice and control of the learner. The expansion of free-choice learning opportunities to include audiences with limited exposure to science education may potentially engage a segment of the population currently underrepresented in the field of ocean sciences. TimeWhys is a non-traditional approach to free-choice learning intended for people and families who are waiting for short-to-moderate time periods. This pilot study designed and tested a set of educational cards that stimulate learning using science-based content.