What is Science? Exploring Middle School Perceptions of the Nature of Science and Science Identity

• In Event: 022 - Student Forum Paper Session. Identity, Meaning Making, and Movement

Abstract

Understanding emerging adolescents’ ideas about the nature of science is imperative in promoting science enjoyment and the acquisition of a science identity. These are important predictors of persistence in STEM careers, and are also imperative to broadening participation among underrepresented minorities in STEM careers. In a study of 444 middle school aged students, a mixed methods approach was used to assess students' conceptions of ‘What is Science?’. Seventy-nine percent of the youth surveyed responded to this open ended question, and 29% of their 688 responses included a broad conception of science focused on discovery and inquiry. Bivariate results revealed that students with a broad, discovery oriented view of science had a higher science identity as well as science enjoyment.

Authors

• Kayla D. Smith, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Patricia Wonch Hill, University of Nebraska-Lincoln