The Role of Citizen Science on African American Students' STEM Achievement and Motivation

• In Event: 35.030 - Motivation and Sociocultural Context: Examining Ethnic Identity and Persistence

Abstract

Citizen science, an activity in which volunteers collect data to support professional scientific research, has positive benefits for adolescents in terms of science achievement, self-efficacy, interest, and career goals. This intervention case study examines the impact of a citizen science program on science achievement and STEM career motivation for African American students (N=30). Results highlight while students’ self-motivational beliefs and achievement improved, African Americans had larger gains on science achievement and self-efficacy for scientific observation skills compared to their peers. Moreover, following the support of field experts during the intervention, African American males exhibited less anxiety. Overall, the citizen science program impacted these students’ identify formation as scientist. Implications for future research and practical applications are discussed.

Authors

• Suzanne E. Hiller, George Mason University

• Aubrey Whitehead, George Mason University

• Anastasia Kitsantas, George Mason University