P68 A Formative Evaluation of a STEAM and Nutrition Education Summer Program for Low-Income Youth

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Project Science and Technology Reinforced by Innovative Dietary Education (Project stRIde) aims to provide a science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics (STEAM), and nutrition education curriculum to low-income, racially and ethnically diverse, incoming 5th and 6th-grade youth. A formative evaluation of Project stRIde was conducted from May-July 2020 to gain insights from expert content reviewers and identify revisions before piloting. <h3>Objective</h3> The objective of this study was to conduct an expert content review of the Project stRIde curriculum to assess the content, cultural sensitivity, feasibility, and curriculum standard adherence to inform revisions to the curriculum. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Nine experts spanning the fields of nutrition education, cultural competency, elementary education, summer youth programming, and STEM outreach were recruited to participate in an expert content review survey and virtual interviews. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Experts completed a 63-item questionnaire containing open- and closed-ended questions covering the lessons. Virtual interviews included follow-up questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded in NVivo by 2 coders. An inductive approach was used to identify themes. <h3>Results</h3> Inter-rater reliability for the 2 coders yielded an unweighted kappa value of 0.83. Seven core themes were identified: (1) effectively promoting youth engagement, (2) increased lesson guidance or support needed, (3) activity difficulty for age, (4) time, (5) confidence in teaching lessons, (6) cultural appropriateness, and (7) strengths of curriculum in promoting STEAM education and innovation. Reviewers agreed that the lessons were accurate, incorporated STEAM concepts, and were culturally appropriate for this population. All 9 experts contacted completed the survey and interview. They all agreed that they would be confident in delivering the curriculum themselves. <h3>Conclusion</h3> An expert content review by a diversified panel as part of a formative evaluation process is an effective way to develop an engaging, age-appropriate curriculum.