"Science is more fun when I see it in real life"- Changing secondary school students' attitudes towards science with a museum program.

Abstract

The declining trend in positive attitudes towards science among young people is cause for concern in a society filled with challenges that require scientific expertise. To counter this trend, one effective approach in science education is to provide relevant, non-formal learning experiences, complementary to formal science education. Such learning experiences can be found at science- and natural history museums. In the Netherlands, there is a large natural history museum at Naturalis Biodiversity Center. Naturalis offers a wide variety of specialized educational programs that engage students in science. However, not much is known about how these programs contribute to fostering positive attitudes towards science in students. Therefore, eight focus groups were conducted with 25 students from grade 8 and 9, who participated in an educational program at Naturalis. Based on students’ reports on three relevant subconstructs of attitudes towards science (perception of the scientist, value of science, and enjoyment of science), five mechanisms are recognized to foster positive attitudes towards science in a museum program: (1) showing diversity in research fields, (2) portraying scientists as people who travel a lot, discover new things, and know a lot, (3) helping students understand more about science, (4) implementing active learning activities, and (5) ensuring an exposure to science through exhibition rooms and objects from the collection. These findings can be used to develop new educational programs, or adapt existing programs, in a way that fosters positive attitudes towards science. Suggestions for implementation and future research are given.