Answering the Call for STEM Recruitment: Connecting Classroom Chemistry to the Real World

• In Event: 61.086 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 61.086-4 - Motivations, Interests, and Careers in STEM

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a three-week, pre-/post-test intervention on student’s (n = 51) interest, utility value, conceptual understanding, and career intentions in an inner-city high need high school chemistry classroom. The overarching goal of the intervention (i.e., a custom-designed authentic chemistry project) was for students to connect concepts that they were learning in the classroom to “every day uses of chemistry” and jobs/careers/companies that use chemistry in the real world. Findings indicate that students increased their chemistry knowledge, found greater relevance for chemistry, and intend to take more chemistry in the future. Interest did not statistically significantly increase as a result of the intervention. Conclusions, implications, and limitations will be discussed.

Authors

• Michael Paul Starling, Western Kentucky University

• Lisa C. Duffin, Western Kentucky University

• Martha M. Day, Western Kentucky University