Transformative Research Experiences: Developing STEM Identities in Secondary Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Student Engagement, Identity, and Motivation in STEM (Table 9)

Abstract

Authentic research experiences are crucial for student learning as they demystify complex scientific concepts, boost confidence, scientific literacy, and motivation to consider STEM careers. However, these experiences are often underutilized in high school life science courses and are typically reserved for upper-level classes, less accessible to underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged students. The EvolvingSTEM curriculum was developed to increase inclusion and engagement in life sciences by integrating scientific practices and core evolutionary concepts through an authentic experiment. Founded in 2014, EvolvingSTEM now reaches over 1000 students annually in 15 high schools across eight states. This study explores the effects of the EvolvingSTEM curriculum on middle and high school students’ STEM occupational identity.

Authors

• Zoey Xinyi Zhao, University of Pittsburgh

• Nathan Cho, University of Pittsburgh

• Abigail Matela, University of Pittsburgh

• Colton Siakowski, University of Pittsburgh

• Sachin Thiagarajan, University of Pittsburgh

• Vaughn Cooper, University of Pittsburgh

• Cassie F. Quigley, University of Pittsburgh