Impact of STEM guest speakers on sixth grade science students

Abstract

How do preconceived notions of who is a scientist change with the introduction of STEM professionals in the sixth-grade classroom? Over five months, sixth-grade students engaged in four virtual interviews with four different STEM professionals, learning about their careers and participating in questions-and-answer sessions. Before the interviews, students shared their notions by completing a prediction survey and drawing what they thought a "typical" scientist looked like. After each interview, they reflected on their notions through a reflection survey. At the end of all interviews, they completed a post-thoughts survey and a post-draw-a-scientist drawing. The overall results from the pre-and post-surveys and drawings indicated a positive shift in students' perceptions of who can be a scientist. Results highlighted a positive influence of guest speakers, inspiring students to take an interest in STEM careers. This action research demonstrated that engaging sixth-grade students with various STEM professionals through virtual interviews broadened their notions of STEM professionals.