Publication

Students’ Perceptions of the Long-Term Impact of Attending a “CSI Science Camp”

Description

A science summer camp is a popular type of informal science experience for youth. While there is no one model of a science camp, these experiences typically allow for more focused and in-depth exploration of different science domains and are usually hands-on and participatory. The goal of this research was to examine the impact of a short science camp program approximately 1 year after students attended the camp. Overall, the results revealed that attending a 2-day forensic science camp had a positive and continuing influence on the participants. Students’ science self-efficacy increased immediately after attending the camp and remained higher than pre-camp levels approximately 1 year later. Students were able to articulate why they believed the camp had a long-term impact on their lives. Furthermore, participants attributed a higher level of engaging in additional informal STEM-related activities during the academic year as a result of attending the camp.

This article is part of the Journal of Science Education and Technology Special Issue - Stories from ITEST: Inspiring Young People to Pursue STEM Careers

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PUBLICATION DETAILS

Type
Article
Author
Karen L. Yanowitz
Publisher
Journal of Science Education and Technology
Topic(s)
Informal Learning and Afterschool
STEM Career Opportunities and Workforce Development
Youth Motivation and Interests in STEM
Publication Year
2016
Additional Disciplines
Bioscience - general
Computer Science - general
Environmental Science - general
Mathematics - general