Using Authentic STEM Tools in the High School Science Classroom

This study focused on K-12 students’ motivation toward STEM while using technological tools (i.e., air quality monitors) to participate in authentic research projects. In this two-year case study focused on one high school chemistry course, researchers investigated students to determine if/how their motivation for science/engineering and/or their competency beliefs about science and engineering changed as a result of using the technology. The classroom teacher also participated in the study and provided more in-depth feedback regarding how he implemented the technology and what he saw firsthand from the students. Although no statistically significant survey results were discovered, qualitative data from students and the teacher indicated that the students reacted positively to the implementation of the novel technology. Although the experience was positive overall, there were some challenges regarding the air quality monitors and how some of the students interacted with the technology.