The Perception of Scientists by Elementary Students in a Rural Low-Income School

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Science Teaching and Learning: Science Identities

Abstract

In a rural, low-income, highly diverse, and highly religiously conservative area of east Texas, the perceptions of K-5 students about “science” and “scientists” are essential to determining how these students will make future education and career choices. A feminist and critical race theory was used to inform a qualitative analysis of the survey data to challenge common perceptions of how elementary students from rural low income areas view scientists or even consider themselves to be scientists.  The objective of this study is not only to examine the results of the modified DAST test, but to also critically examine the results keeping in mind the local opportunities for the student to pursue a career in a STEM field.

Authors

• Chrissy J Cross, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Lauren E Burrow, Stephen F. Austin State University