College Student Perspectives of Working with Middle School Students to Enhance STEM interest

Abstract

The purpose was to assess college students’ perspectives on applying their knowledge to trigger STEM interest among middle school students. Twenty-six college students within various STEM majors (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science, Health Science, Information Technology, and Math) developed and implemented STEM activities for middle school students attending an outreach program on the college campus. Following working with the middle school students, college students were asked to complete an electronic Qualtrics survey containing demographic, opinion, and reflection questions. The college students, overwhelmingly felt that they could apply what they had learned in their courses (88.5%), apply their knowledge to real-world STEM activities to reinforce their learning (84.5%), and participating strongly influenced their view of STEM education (92.3%). This experiential learning opportunity was very well received by STEM major students even if they were not specifically interested in working with this age range of students.