Beginning from the assumption that young children (ages 6-8) are capable of reasoning about complex phenomena [12], we set out to better understand dimensions of the Science through Technology Enhanced Play environment that provided support for children to learn about relationships between multiple levels of an emergent phenomenon [23]states of matter. We conducted interactional analysis [15] of several moments in two classrooms as students developed and refined understanding of rules that connect micro behavior of particles of water to macro understanding about states of matter. We argue that central to students' disciplinary work were (1) multiple forms of agency negotiated within the STEP environment that were deeply intertwined with (2) students' embodiment. Agency and embodiment both supported students' consensus understanding of relationships between levels of the states of matter phenomenon (3) through students' joyful and playful collaborative work. We examine several episodes in detail to explore these findings.

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The maker movement advocates hands-on making with emerging technologies because of its value for promoting innovative and personally meaningful transdisciplinary learning. Educational research has focused on settings that primarily serve youth from dominant groups, yet we know surprisingly little about making among minoritized youth and the kinds of resources that support their making. This study sought to better understand the extent to which maker practices are present in the lives of minoritized youth and the network of resources that support their engagement. In this study, we analyzed survey responses of 52 youth from an urban, under-resourced community in Chicago and conducted an inductive thematic analysis of 20 interviews through a model of connected learning. Findings showed these youth participated in a diverse range of interest-driven, low-tech maker activities in their own homes more often than in school, after school programs, or through online resources and communities (i.e., YouTube, Internet, social media). Many youths displayed different levels of participation with intergenerational support, as parents and extended family members supported youth in their hands-on making. This work opens up pathways for fostering connected learning opportunities within minoritized communities by building on existing learning experiences within home settings and supportive relationships.

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