Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Clary, Renee M.

Committee Member

Smith, , M. Cade

Committee Member

Walker, Ryan

Date of Degree

4-30-2021

Original embargo terms

Visible to MSU only for 2 years

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Environmental Geoscience

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) academic programs and career fields continue to lack representation among females and minorities. STEM learning programs that engage youth in culturally relevant and personally meaningful experiences in STEM have been shown to develop participant self-concept as a scientist, as well as increase interest in related careers. This study uses the Draw-a-Scientist Checklist (DAST-C) instrument, as well as the Draw-a-Scientist Growth (DAST-G) instrument, which was developed and implemented by the author as part of this research. The DAST-C and DAST-G instruments were used to examine the science-related perceptions of youth before and after participation in a residential STEM geosciences program. An analysis found that the program produced statistically significant (p<.05) reductions to the DAST-C scientist stereotype scores in all twelve cycles of the program between 2018 and 2019, and statistically significant gains to the DAST-G scientist perception growth scores in eleven of the cycles.

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