Exploring the Associations of Afterschool Science Participation and Friendships with Science Identities
Patricia Wonch Hill1, Grace M Kelly2, Julia McQuillan2
1Center for Math, Science, and Computer Education, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE USA.
Research in Science Education
|November 14, 2024
Summary
Afterschool science clubs boost middle schoolers' science identity. Peer friendships within these clubs also enhance science identity, even for non-participating students, highlighting social influences on STEM engagement.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Adolescent Psychology
- Social Network Analysis
Background:
- Previous research links afterschool science activities to increased science identity in youth.
- The precise mechanisms and causal order between participation and identity remain unclear.
- Peer influence and friendships are known to shape adolescent interests and identity development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between participation in afterschool science clubs, friendship networks, and science identity among middle school students.
- To explore how peer interactions within science clubs influence students' science identities.
- To determine if social connections to science clubs benefit non-participating students.
Main Methods:
- A network study involving 421 middle school students.
- Examined participation in afterschool science clubs.
- Analyzed friendship ties and their relationship with science identity.
Main Results:
- Students participating in afterschool science clubs reported higher science identities compared to non-participants.
- Having friends involved in afterschool science clubs correlated with higher science identity, irrespective of personal participation.
- The social environment of science clubs appears to positively impact science identity beyond direct engagement.
Conclusions:
- Afterschool science clubs are effective in fostering youth science identities.
- Peer influence within science clubs plays a significant role in shaping science identity.
- The positive impact of afterschool science programs can extend to students indirectly connected through friendships.
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