Middle School Students’ Scientific Literacy: Constructing a Measure

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Science Curriculum and Instructional Interventions

Abstract

Herein we present the initial findings from a project to develop a measure of scientific literacy for middle-school students. We have developed (1) a framework that describes constructs that are important to assess scientific literacy and (2) a testing instrument to assess those constructs. We describe the development of the constructs through several stages that allow the harmonization of the constructs and the instrument that will be used to assess students understanding of the constructs. The items of the instrument are based on review of the literature, self-developed items, a series of pilot-tests, student and educator feedback, and technical item analyses. The framework and instrument are important and useful for researchers and educators engaged in all aspects of science education.

Authors

• Helenrose Fives, Montclair State University

• Wendy Huebner, Montclair State University

• Amanda Birnbaum, Montclair State University

• Mark Nicolich