LE3 .A278 2018

2018

Newman, Randy Lynn

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

The term STEM has long been used to represent the domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, as the arts provide a unique and innovative point of view to approaching traditional STEM problems, arts have recently been included (i.e., STEAM). Although STEAM industries have grown exponentially, the proportion of women in such careers has remained low. Evidence has suggested that stereotypes, gender biases, and parental attitudes can impact girls’ self-efficacy and perceived belongingness in STEAM from preschool throughout university. To better engage girls in STEAM, the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Acadia group from Acadia University created an annual summer retreat for girls in grades seven and eight to learn about STEAM through engaging activities and active mentorship. The present study evaluated girls’ self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and career interests, along with parental attitudes toward STEAM, prior to and after the WISE Acadia Science Retreat (n = 30, MAGE= 12years). Results indicated that parental attitudes toward STEAM did not impact girls’ self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and career interests in STEAM prior to the camp. However, significant improvements in belongingness and career interest in STEAM scores were observed following the camp, suggesting that the camp impacted girls’ views toward STEAM. Furthermore, there was an overall positive view of the WISE Acadia Science retreat, indicating that the girls had a positive experience from engagement

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2686