How do students early nature experiences affect their interest and performance in science

Term

2010

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not early nature experiences lead to greater interest and more successful performance in science course work of middle school students. In order to examine the question, thirty-eight, fifth through eighth grade students were given the Test of Science Related Attitudes ( TOSRA) questionnaire and asked to draw a picture of their favorite childhood play experience. Yearly science grades were compared to attitudes from the TOSRA and whether or not the drawings depicted nature experiences as defined by the researcher. The results point to a strong connection between leisure interest in science, enjoyment of science lessons and science achievement however, further research is needed to definitively answer the research question.

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