Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
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Item Bridges to Science : effects of a science outreach program on High school students.' understanding of science concepts(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2012) Orr, Kimberley R.; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.Many of my students are not prepared for postsecondary education because they feel unprepared in terms of experience and knowledge. This project focused on evaluating the impact the Bridges to Science outreach program had on students' understanding of science concepts. Students' level of understanding, attitude and motivation, and thoughts about science careers were considered as well. This project also investigated the impact on classroom teachers' professionalism, on the program staffs' pedagogy, and on my own professionalism and involvement with the program. The Bridges to Science program offered by the University of Lethbridge targets urban high school students in biology, chemistry, and physics, and attempts to increase their interest in science by providing engaging lab activities implemented by graduate students. Students' understanding of science concepts was assessed by comparing nontreatment lab activities conducted by classroom teachers to treatment lab activities conducted by the outreach volunteers. Pre and postassessment data for nontreatment and treatment units were collected using concept questions, interviews with concept maps, and teacher observations. Other forms of data collection such as surveys, journals and personal observations were used to assess students' level of understanding, attitude and motivation, knowledge about career options, teachers' professionalism, volunteers' pedagogy, and my own professionalism and involvement with the outreach program. The results indicated a greater increase in students' understanding and level of understanding through the implementation of the program compared with classroom activities. Not only did students' motivation and attitude improve, but their knowledge of career options increased as well. Pedagogical improvement occurred with volunteers, but there was little impact on teachers' sense of professionalism. My involvement with Bridges to Science had a positive impact on my relationships, professionalism, and involvement with the program.Item An investigation into the effects of college research shadowing on the perceptions of high school science students(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2012) Metzger, Randy Arnold; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.The National Science Foundation and National Research Council have identified a sharp decline in positive attitudes toward science. These predispositions are becoming more commonplace in middle and high school classrooms for various reasons. The NSF has identified a decline in students pursuing post-secondary careers in science and engineering, predominantly due to the negative perceptions seen in high school science classes. This study focused on the implementation of project based learning as a method for changing students' perspectives toward science and possibly altering their post-secondary choices towards a science career. Projects involved the shadowing of college researchers and professors in field-based environmental activities. High school students worked alongside college researchers and professors, while collecting data and preparing documentation in an inquiry based setting.