November 19, 2012

Living Science

Psychology research moves out of the lab.

In the bustling science museum, 3-year-old Leah assembles triangular blocks into as many arrangements as she can. She gives them to Daniel Blasher ’13. “That’s great,” he says. “Can you make some different shapes?”

It looks like play—and it is. But it’s also serious research being conducted by Lewis & Clark professors and students at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). This cognitive development study, one of several by Lewis & Clark researchers by Lewis & Clark researchers, examines the best way to maximize children’s creativity.

“This is a unique partnership between Lewis & Clark and OMSI to bring scientific psychology into the public view,” says Todd Watson, assistant professor of psychology.

Lewis & Clark and OMSI make up one of four research hubs for the Living Laboratory, a national project funded by a five-year grant from the National Science Foundation.

Learn more in “Living Science” by Bobbie Hasselbring, originally published in The Chronicle Magazine.