An Interactionist Approach to Exploring Identity Development and Engagement During a STEM Club Experience (Poster 28)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 9:35 am
  In Poster Session: Out-of-School-Time SIG Posters

Abstract

The context of this study is a 10-week afterschool STEM Club for 5th graders offered at 20 elementary schools. Students are immersed in a case study of a young child who has lost a limb due to cancer and are tasked with designing and building a prosthetic hand for the child using low-cost materials. Specifically, this study will explore 1) changes in pre and post measures of STEM identity and engagement, (2) changes in weekly exit-ticket reports about seeing themselves as a scientist, their enjoyment, sense of belonging, and their intent to pursue a science career at 4 points in the curriculum, and (3) changes in the relationships among these exit-ticket reports as the students progressed through the curriculum.

Authors

• Leigh M. Harrell-Williams, University of Memphis

• Eli Andrew Jones, University of Memphis

• Luke Walden, Union University

• Katherine Ayers, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

• Robyn Pennella, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

• Taylor Mule, University of Memphis

• Justine Piontek, University of Memphis