Abstract:
This study was designed to describe rural middle school students' beliefs about science and sources of influence affecting science career choice. The population for the study was all students (N = 402) who participated in the Partnership for Environmental Educational and Rural Health (PEER) scientist visits program. A 98% response rate was achieved. Data were collected by visiting scientists using a paper instrument. PEER is a collaboration between the Texas Rural Systemic Initiative; Center for Environmental and Rural Health; and Texas A&M University's Department of Agricultural Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, and College of Education. The purpose of PEER is to develop math and science rich and integrated curricular materials for dissemination across a middle school's curriculum. Results show students' beliefs about science were positive. Parents or guardians, teachers, and other family members were the information sources most positively affecting students' science career choice. Positive relationships between parents/guardians, teachers, other family members, school guidance counselors, and church leaders and beliefs about science were found. The results of this study are being used by PEER to refine and enhance the program and to guide the development of additional research projects focused on the effects of inquiry-based methods and integrated curricular materials on student achievement.
Keywords:
students' science beliefs, influences, career choice
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