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Project Descriptions

Collaborative Research: Studying the Malleability and Impact of Science Learning Activation

April 1, 2014 - March 31, 2018 | Media and Technology, Public Programs, Informal/Formal Connections
This project, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California, Berkeley, seeks to discover what makes middle school students engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The researchers have developed a concept known as science learning activation, including dispositions, practices, and knowledge leading to successful STEM learning and engagement. The project is intended to develop and validate a method of measuring science learning activation. The first stage of the project involves developing the questions to measure science activation, with up to 300 8th graders participating. The second stage is a 16-month longitudinal study of approximately 500 6th and 8th graders, examining how science learning activation changes over time. The key question is what are the influencers on science activation, e.g., student background, classroom activities, and outside activities. This project addresses important past research showing that middle school interest in STEM is predictive of actually completing a STEM degree, suggesting that experiences in middle school and even earlier may be crucial to developing interest in STEM. This research goes beyond past work to find out what are the factors leading to STEM interest in middle school. This work helps the Education and Human Resources directorate, and the Division of Research on Learning, pursue the mission of supporting STEM education research. In particular, this project focuses on improving STEM learning, as well as broadening participation in STEM education and ultimately the STEM workforce.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: REAL, Core R&D Programs
Award Number: 1348666
Funding Amount: $748,256.00
NSF
Funding Program: REAL, Core R&D Programs
Award Number: 1348468
Funding Amount: $729,585.00

TEAM MEMBERS

  • 2013 06 18 IMG 4526
    Principal Investigator
    Lawrence Hall of Science
  • cannady
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Lawrence Hall of Science
  • 2013 05 17 Kevin crowley headshot
    Principal Investigator
    University of Pittsburgh
  • 2013 11 27 schunn medium
    Co-Principal Investigator
    University of Pittsburgh
  • Discipline: Education and learning science | General STEM
    Audience: Middle School Children (11-13) | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Websites, Mobile Apps, and Online Media | Public Programs | Museum and Science Center Programs | Informal/Formal Connections

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