Ecologically Validating the Science Curiosity SCILE Scale in a STEM-Making Summer Camp

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Evaluation Toward More Inclusive Informal Learning Environments

Abstract

This study examines the ecological validity of the SCILE scale by analyzing how youths’ scores align with observed behaviors in a culturally responsive STEM making camp. Upward Bound students (n=39) participated in a 15-hour wearable technology program. SCILE scores significantly increased from pre- to post-program (p = .026, d = 0.372). Video of youth was used to develop case analyses comparing high and low scorers; this revealed that while all participants exhibited curiosity-related behaviors, those with higher scores demonstrated greater behavioral diversity across cognitive, emotional, social, senso-motoric, and science practice domains. Findings support the SCILE scale’s utility for assessing science curiosity in informal contexts and underscore the importance of curiosity-driven approaches in fostering equitable STEM engagement.

Authors

• Jennifer L. Weible, Central Michigan University

• Heather Toomey Zimmerman, Pennsylvania State University

• Gabriela T. Richard, University of Massachusetts - Amherst