Science and representation: examining the role of supplementary STEM education in elementary school student science identity

Rita Barakat

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Career Development and Diversity Science Education and Pedagogy Science Education and Perceptions

Abstract

Abstract The last several years has seen numerous initiatives rise to increase representation of under-represented minority groups (URMs) in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professions. Yet despite these efforts, disparities between students educated in the sciences and professionals in these fields persist. One significant contributor to these disparities is a lack of funding and support for science educational resources, particularly in low-income communities and school districts. The following paper evaluates the efficacy of an elementary school STEM educational program, known as the Young Scientists Program (YSP), which serves over 1400 elementary school students in seven Title I schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The specific aim of this project was to determine whether targeting a younger student population is more effective at promoting a greater sense of self-efficacy within science, ultimately encouraging students to see themselves as potential future scientists regardless of their socioeconomic status and cultural background. Students who participated in the program completed a pre- and post-program “Draw A Scientist Test” (DAST) and general Science Interest Survey. Statistical analysis of the quantitative data from these instruments showed a significant increase in the number of students who drew scientists that represented themselves and/or members of their community, and more positive attitudes toward STEM after participating in the YSP. These findings provide a model for continued program evaluation and comparison of previous years’ data for the YSP, as well as for evaluation of similar elementary school science programs.

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2004Groups of diverse problem solvers can outperform groups of high-ability problem solvers 1983Stereotypic images of the scientist: The draw‐a‐scientist test 2003Time for action: Science education for an alternative future 2016Improving Underrepresented Minority Student Persistence in STEM 2010Persistence of women and minorities in STEM field majors: Is it the school that matters?2008Girls and science: A review of four themes in the science education literature 2017Advancing Elementary and Middle School STEM Education 2013The Development of the STEM Career Interest Survey (STEM-CIS)

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