Exploring the Responses of Underrepresented Students in Science to an Elementary Classroom Outreach Program

Source abstract

This paper describes a subset of results from a large‐scale two‐year independent evaluation study conducted with the Scientists in School (SiS) outreach program and two large school boards in Ontario, Canada. Specifically, it explores the responses of elementary students ( n = 811) from typically underrepresented groups in science (English language learners [ELL], girls, and students at low‐achieving schools) to the SiS outreach program. It explores responses related to enjoyment, interest, perceptions of role modeling, and future career choice in science. Compared to other students, findings suggest that girls and students from low‐achieving schools found the program more enjoyable and reported that it provided positive science role models. Students at schools with high ELL populations also reported higher levels of enjoyment and reported that the program helped get them excited about science.