Characterizing Young Students via Their Interests in Science and Science Competitions

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Examining Engagement in Science Across People, Places, and Time

Abstract

Over time students generally lose their interest in scientific topics and activities. Among others, science competitions and fair projects try to counter this development by interesting students in scientific activities. In order to design effective supportive measures it is important to characterize students first. Therefore, we conducted a questionnaire-study with 12-year- old students (N = 102) with emphases on academic and science self-concept, achievement goals and interest in investigative scientific activities and subjects. The results show several influencing factors and significant predictors as well as gender differences. The results are used to design new supportive measures. The results of a second study (N = 550) being conducted in August 2013 will be presented at the conference as well.

Authors

• Janet Susan Blankenburg, IPN - Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education

• Tim Niclas Hoeffler, University of Kiel

• Ilka Parchmann, Leibniz Institute