Ending the Search for Triggers of STEM Interest

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Research in Science Learning and Teaching Poster Session 1

Abstract

There is a strong body of scholarship regarding the relationships between the types of early experiences or events that trigger interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as when this experience first occurred and who was involved. In this study, we build on our ongoing work related to the development of interest in STEM, but address the relationship between early maker experiences and pursuit of STEM degrees and careers. Results from approximately 14,000 undergraduates, graduates, and professionals across STEM suggest similar patterns for the who, when and what of STEM interest across differents samples. The fact that results are very similar across large, but different, samples support how robust these findings are.

Authors

• Adam V. Maltese, Indiana University

• Amber Simpson, Binghamton University - SUNY