Through a range of evaluation services from full-scale, complex evaluations to panel reviews, technical reports and briefs, logic modeling, and empirical study design, we work to create powerful STEM learning opportunities that inspire and engage in ways that advance equity and opportunity. Our work spans learning environments (formal in-school, informal-out-of-school time) and content areas (Environmental Education, Professional Learning, Computational and Digital Learning, Engineering and Robotics, and more). Learn More >

Design-Based Research (DBR) and Design-Based Iterative Research (DBIR) is growing in application and use, but it is not necessarily as widely understood. We see it as a set of principles and a constellation of methods for grounding iterative design in problems of practice, with the goal of creating designs that work in situ AND advance more generalized theory/models for how to approach particular problems. You might want to engage in DBR when you want to design something for the messy particulars of the real world or when you want to understand how a design can be optimized for use in a new context and/or with new populations. Our experts can work with you to design and implement the most useful DBR and DBIR research approaches.

Community-based research involves a participatory approach, where research projects are driven by community priorities, where members of the community are involved throughout the entire research process, from the original development of the design and any proposal, to analyzing and interpreting the data, to planning for the future based on research outcomes. Community-based research aligns closely with the Lawrence’s strategic priorities of authentic and meaningful partnerships and seeking social justice through our work. We are eager to engage with communities and community-based organizations in developing, focusing, and implementing community-based research projects.

We provide a range of assessment services for various projects and organizations. Our assessment work is multifaceted and specifically designed for the learning setting in which Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics (STEM) education takes place. Our services may include any or all of the following:

• Designing assessment systems and support materials


• Scoring a system design with exemplar identification


• Developing items and scaling them


• Scanning/scoring fixed-choice responses


• Scoring constructed responses


• Gathering and evaluating validity evidence (testing construct validity)


• Performing data analysis and supplying suitable psychometrics


• Reporting out

For many funders, and particularly for the National Science Foundation (NSF), understanding the potential broader impacts – the ways in which research can benefit society and advance desired social outcomes – is key to supporting the work. To help ensure that your research has the impact you seek, we work with our partners to create inspiring and innovative educational outreach experiences. Outcomes have included new planetarium programs, STEM content books & video series for young children, and communication for science research grants. Learn More >