How Families Can Boost Children’s Interest in STEM | NC State News

Boosting Children’s STEM Interest Through Family Engagement

• Core Finding: Engaging in science activities together as a family significantly boosts children’s confidence, interest, and belief in the importance of STEM subjects.
• Study Methodology:
  • Researchers studied a program involving 41 elementary school-age children and their families.
  • Participants attended monthly half-day sessions at local museums for one year.
  • Sessions included shared meals, hands-on science investigations, and presentations from community scientists/engineers.
  • Families were provided with "at-home kits" to continue learning between sessions.
• Target Audience: The program specifically recruited students from schools receiving federal Title I funding to address socioeconomic barriers to STEM access.
• Key Impacts:
  • Students reported a stronger belief in the usefulness of science in their daily lives.
  • Increased likelihood of students engaging in science-related activities outside of school (e.g., nature walks, science discussions at home).
  • Positive spillover effects were observed, including increased interest among siblings who attended the sessions.
• Expert Insights (Gail Jones, NC State University):
  • Family support is a critical environmental factor in sustaining long-term interest in STEM careers.
  • Mentorship from community professionals helps children visualize potential future career paths.
  • Successful programs prioritize flexibility (e.g., makeup sessions) and remove barriers to participation (e.g., providing meals).
• Future Recommendations:
  • Programs are highly replicable in after-school settings.
  • Educators can support families by providing "science backpacks" or guidance on simple, engaging home-based science activities.
  • Shifting focus from individual student achievement to family-inclusive programming can significantly improve student outcomes.