A two-year STEM Initiative on Students' Attitudes Towards Science

Students' attitudes towards science has been an issue of longstanding attention in science education for over 50 years, as it has been proven to affect academic performance and often influence the professional path students choose to follow. A decline in students' interest in science and technology has been of great concern to societies and policy makers. One way to sway students' aspirations is engaging science programs introducing them, early enough, to be able to cause an effect. This study presents the findings of a STEM initiative which has been implemented for a second year running in upper primary school classes. The program explores students' attitudes, beliefs, ideas, and stereotypes on science, regarding the significance of science to them and the environment. Some results parallel those of the previous year, while others give insight on other elements of the study.