This meta-analysis explores the impact of informal science education experiences (such as after-school programs, enrichment activities, etc.) on students' attitudes towards, and interest in, STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The research addresses two primary questions: (1) What is the overall effect size of…

Out-of-school time (OST) programs like the Coastal Ecology science camp can positively influence science identities, particularly for youth from groups historically underserved and underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). OST STEM programming gives youth opportunities to learn science outside the formal classroom in…

The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored professional development of educators in the NASA Summer of Innovation (SOI) program. The Idaho, Montana, and Utah (IMU-SOI) program worked with educators and students from thirteen Native American communities. The summer sessions were focused on problem based learning and…

The purpose of this study is to present students' experiences, interest in engineering, and personal narratives while participating in a robotics summer camp in a metropolitan city in Turkey. In this study, I used qualitative data collection methods such as interviews, field notes, and observations. I used the four principles of Engle and Conant…

Programs should emphasize application, stress useful work, encourage student participation in planning, cross discipline barriers, and relate to real, human, and social problems. They should accommodate differences in student interests and abilities, teacher preference, and local conditions. (DF)

Describes a college geology course that incorporates a coastal segment. Field studies are done on Plum Island and include examining beaches, dune fields, and an adjacent marsh and spit. Topics include sedimentation, coastal geomorphology, botanical effects, and coastal studies methodology. (MA)

Describes activities designed to give summer school students an appreciation of the value of an integrated approach to scientific investigation. (JRH)

An account of a teacher's experience in presenting astronomy to 12 to 15 year olds in a summer science program is presented. Observations of planets, meteors, and the sun are the major projects which are discussed. (SA)

This article describes a summer Field Astronomy course designed to give secondary students the opportunity to use the telescope as a laboratory instrument, to learn telescope optics, and to do experiments related to observation. The equipment is described and illustrated. (Author/MA)

Describes chemistry courses offered as part of a residential summer enrichment program held at the University of Northern Colorado. A list of elementary and advanced chemistry activities completed during the courses is included. (JN)

Describes a science-oriented photography program offered during the summer to sixth-grade students. The program aims to increase visual literacy, and students spend considerable time in planning, taking, arranging, and using self-made photographs for the intentional communication of meaning. (JR)

Described is a technique for fiber identification for use by K-6 students. Follow-up activities for elementary and college students are suggested. (CW)

Describes an elementary school summer program designed to allow children to develop their fullest potentials for logical thinking and structuring their own knowledge. In particular, the activities of the science center are discussed. (JR)

The focus of this study was a science and mathematics day camp for Girl Scouts in a rural Georgia county, the goal of which was to help girls "discover" themselves as competent participants in science and mathematics. During the camp, Brownie Junior and Cadet Girl Scouts from Bulloch County interacted with women faculty on the campus of Georgia…