The Nature of Student Science Projects in Comparison to Educational Goals for Science

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine if student science projects in Ohio were meeting educational goals for science as recommended by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Science Teachers Association, and the Ohio Department of Education. In addition, five methods were examined to determine if each had a positive effect on science projects in meeting these educational goals. Teachers from the Diocese of Toledo with students completing science projects in The Ohio Academy of Science's District 2 were asked to rate projects for each aspect of eight educational goals for science defined by this study. Science projects were rated overwhelmingly and consistently positive on each goal. Modeling of skills in the classroom was found to be significantly linked to six of the eight goals for science education. In addition, there was evidence to suggest that participating at a district science fair and supportive help also improved these ratings.