Contribution of Science Fair to Middle School Student Interest in Science Careers

Closed Program

This exploratory study will examine the effects of participation in Science Fair—a voluntary scientific investigation program available to middle and high school students—on students’ interest in, self-efficacy, and future plans in science. It employs a quasi-experimental design where students who participate in Science Fair activities, are compared with those that do not. This study will examine middle school students’: 1) interest in science topics; 2) interest in science careers; 3) reported feelings of self-efficacy; and 4) plans to pursue additional courses pre- and-post Science Fair. A report will be used to identify issues to explore in future work.