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Changes in Elementary Student Perceptions of Science, Scientists, and Science Careers After Participating in a Curricular Module on Health and Veterinary Science
Author(s) -
Shin Soo Yeon,
Parker Loran Carleton,
Adedokun Omolola,
Menno Ann,
Wackerly Amy,
San Miguel Sandra
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
school science and mathematics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.135
H-Index - 2
eISSN - 1949-8594
pISSN - 0036-6803
DOI - 10.1111/ssm.12129
Subject(s) - health science , perception , science education , medical education , mathematics education , psychology , medicine , neuroscience
This study examined to what extent a curriculum module that uses animal and human health scientists and science concepts to portray science and scientists in a relevant and authentic manner could enhance elementary students' aspiration for science careers, attitudes to science, positive perceptions of scientists, and perceived relevance of science. The curriculum was developed by a research‐based university program and has been put into practice in two early elementary classrooms in an urban school in the M idwest. An attitudinal rating survey and the D raw‐ A ‐ S cientist T est were used to assess pre to post changes in student attitudes toward science, perceptions of scientists, perceived relevance of science, and aspiration for science careers. Findings indicated that the implementation of this curriculum contributed positively to student attitudes toward science, decreased students' stereotypical images of scientists, and increased student aspirations to become a scientist.