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Science world roadshows : A study of effects in one community

University of British Columbia

This paper presents a review of the impact of SCIENCE WORLD'S travelling Roadshows program on one community. The Roadshows program is a non-formal science education program performed in school auditoriums for approximately 100 elementary students around British Columbia, Canada. In March, 1994 the Roadshows performed two Science Carnival Shows - a potpourri of fun science demonstrations for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students and one Arcs and Sparks show about electricity for Grade 4 to 7 students. The community in this study was a school in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia as well as the children, teachers, parents, administrators and surrounding libraries and toy stores. This study revealed that the Roadshows had a small impact on the community as a whole and a significant impact on several individuals. Through interviews of 12 Grade 5 students, their parents and teachers, it was found that discussion about the Roadshows continued over a 4 week period. Discussions took place between many different people in the study plus other family members not interviewed. Almost all of the comments about the Roadshows were positive. Students enjoyed the show and liked science more after the program. Many of them said they would "do more science" because of the Arcs and Sparks show and they said they knew more about science and learned a variety of specific things about electricity through the Roadshows presentation. They also learned about the dangers of electricity and three pieces of information about electricity which were taught in the show. Some parents felt that the program had a large impact on their sons or daughters. Parents saw changes in their children including an increase in self esteem, a new positive opinion of science, more discussion about science and interest in science fair projects on electricity. Most teachers felt the program was a positive experience for their students. This study shows that non-formal science education (sometimes referred to as informal science education) has its place in the world of science education.

Thesis/Dissertation

application/pdf

2009-01-13

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/3616

Curriculum Studies

University of British Columbia

UBCV

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