"Real" Science Versus "School" Science

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Fostering STEM Interest and Engagement in Informal Settings

Abstract

Underrepresentation of women and minorities in the science, technology, and engineering (STEM) fields is a perennial concern for researchers and policy-makers. Many causes of this problem have been identified. This study examines an informal science outreach program built around the motivational theory of Ericksonian identity formation to explore how girls view science education in formal and informal settings. Qualitative observations, focus groups, and interviews were employed to gather information on the girls’ ideas about what constitutes “real” science. Analysis of the data show that participants consistently bifurcate their conceptions of school science and real science, viewing school science as superficial and not a part of authentic scientific practice.

Author

• Brandy Todd, University of Oregon