We’re Recruiting Families to Participate in our Summer 2024 Research!


This images says, "Learn about Pollinators at the Arboretum" and includes images of butterflies and bees. It is decorative.

The Augmented and Mobile Learning research group of Penn State’s College of Education is seeking research participants to test an educational app about pollinators this Summer at The Arboretum at Penn State!  We’re recruiting families with children aged 5 to 12 for select dates in June and July 2024  to spend 30-40 minutes exploring The Children’s Garden. Eligible families who complete all research activities can receive a $20 Amazon e-gift card by email afterward.

Research participation includes a) two short interviews, b) completion of a demographic survey, and c) testing the app using a phone or researcher-provided iPad and GoPro. The research will take approximately 30-40 minutes at the Arboretum.

Drop in on any below dates*! Meet researchers in the Children’s Garden.

Summer 2024 Dates at the Arboretum at Penn State (Children’s Garden):

  • Thursday, June 6 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. *
  • Friday, June 7 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. *
  • Friday, June 21 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. *
  • Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. *
  • Sunday, June 23 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. * (longer session)
  • Tuesday, June 25 from 10:00 am – 12: 00 pm. *
  • Wednesday,  July 10 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm *
  • Thursday,  July 11 from 10:00 am-  12:00 pm *
  • Wednesday,  July 17 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm *

*App testing is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled or end earlier than expected due to rain, thunderstorms, wind, or air quality!  

To be eligible to participate in our research, families must meet all of the following criteria:   

  • Participating adults are the parents/court-appointed legal guardians of all children attending  
  • At least one child participating is between 5-12 years old   
  • The participating family members are willing to participate in two short face-to-face interviews 
  • An adult or child is comfortable wearing a GoPro camera mounted on a hat

Questions about participating? Reach out to Dr. Heather Zimmerman at heather@psu.edu.  This research study was approved by the Penn State University IRB on May 18, 2018:  STUDY00009744.