Research reveals strong community support as crucial for fostering enduring enthusiasm for science in teenagers

The findings of a yearlong science program indicate that involving children in science activities alongside their families is one of the most effective ways to cultivate a lasting interest in science among them. This study challenges the prevailing approach, which separates children from their families in science-related summer camps and after-school programs, ultimately limiting the long-term impact of their learning experiences.

“Instead of offering students a one-time incredible experience and sending them home to parents who may not be familiar with the subject matter or know how to encourage them to pursue further studies in the field, our aim was to support families as a whole,” said Megan Ennes, the lead author and assistant curator of museum education at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

In collaboration with North Carolina State University, the researchers conducted a study based on a family science program hosted at three museums. Over a period of 10 months, families gathered on weekends for science-themed events, beginning with communal meals. Subsequently, the participants engaged in hands-on activities and attended information sessions led by professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Local teen coding club members showcased programming concepts by guiding families in constructing a Rube Goldberg machine in one session, and an astronaut discussed the prospects and challenges of space travel in another session.

During an event focused on local wildlife, an ornithologist assisted families in capturing birds with mist nets and monitored bird populations by banding individuals that had not been previously caught. The shared experiences of such engaging activities fostered a stronger connection with science.

“After the bird banding activity, one of the parents purchased a bird feeder to continue the conversations about birds at home,” Ennes noted. “Our goal was not to persuade students to become scientists, as not everyone desires that path. However, by encouraging families to perceive science as a fun shared activity, we can ensure their continual engagement with it throughout their lives.”

It is worth mentioning that the program specifically targeted families from low socioeconomic backgrounds, including demographic groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in STEM careers. According to a 2018 report by the Pew Research Center, African Americans account for only 9% of STEM jobs, while Hispanics and Asians, respectively, hold 7% and 10% of such jobs, despite constituting 16% and 17% of the workforce. The program aimed to bridge this gap.

The program’s content and activities were designed primarily for elementary school students, as they are typically more attuned to the natural world compared to older students.

“Most children possess an intrinsic interest in science driven by curiosity and wonder. However, research shows a significant decline in their sustained interest and voluntary enrollment in science classes as they progress through middle school into high school. Therefore, we focused on upper elementary school, where children’s curiosity is still vibrant, allowing us to establish a support system around it,” Ennes explained.

Participating children demonstrated a greater inclination to envision themselves as scientists in the future compared to their peers in the control group, who attended regular after-school programs throughout the same period. Program participants also expressed a greater commitment to utilizing and engaging with science in the future, in contrast to children in the control group whose perception of the importance of science declined over time.

Additionally, the program’s benefits extended beyond the participating children to other family members. Through exit surveys and personal correspondence, the researchers observed that families started visiting other museums in their leisure time and that the program sparked or renewed an interest in science among siblings and parents.

“By designing programs for families, we can provide ongoing support for STEM interests,” said Gail Jones, a co-author of the study and alumni distinguished graduate professor of science education at North Carolina State University. “Our families reported changing their choices of holiday gifts to include more STEM-related items, spending more time exploring science together at home, and seeking out new STEM experiences in their community.”

One parent shared with Ennes that their seventh-grade student had consistently failed science classes until their participation in the program, after which their grade improved to an A, and the student received an academic achievement award from their school. In another family, a sibling of a program participant applied to become a museum volunteer, and three parents made the decision to return to school in pursuit of a science degree.

Contrary to the prevalent perception of scientists as solitary pioneers making groundbreaking discoveries, Ennes emphasized that engaging as a community aligns more closely with how scientists actually operate.

“Many of the significant challenges and opportunities our society faces will be resolved by teams rather than individuals,” she stated. “By encouraging families to view science as a communal activity, we can cultivate 21st-century skills necessary for success in science and society, such as collaboration and adaptability. Moreover, this cultivates a supportive network that allows youth and families to explore new careers and lifelong hobbies related to science.”

The research paper documenting this study has been published in the journal Research in Science Education.

 

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Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.