Improving science learning in and out of schools to increase scientific literacy is a U.S. priority. Organizations such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Alpha Chi Sigma (AXΣ) have responded by planning and implementing informal chemistry activities (outreach events) for younger audiences. Different outreach activities and models have been published to help these organizations facilitate successful events. However, formalized study concerning student learning gains, socio-cultural effects, and other key determinants of efficacy is lacking. Most models and activities are described without any formal assessment of impacts. In addition, the majority of research in this field has focused on developing new outreach models and dictating the importance of outreach despite the lack of evidence showing its importance or need. Despite this, these two organizations heavily focus on informal chemistry education and advocate for participation in outreach. We assert that underlying the resources allocated to promote chemistry outreach are several assumptions: (1) collegiate students participating in these events increase their chemistry content knowledge, communication skills, and scientific literacy; and (2) child participants increase their content knowledge, scientific literacy, as well as overall interest in science. However, research has yet to uncover these or even characterize outreach learning outcomes. With the aim to better understand the goals, practices, and outcomes of these organizations, we conducted a national survey (<i>N</i> = 322). Results show that collegiate students are heavily focused on children learning in both cognitive and affective domains with heavy emphasis on fun and generating interest. These results prompted an in-depth qualitative study to explore the role of learning and chemistry content in outreach environments. Survey and preliminary interview results from this in-depth study will be presented as well as implications for future research and outreach efficacy.

Exploring collegiate students’ ideas about the purpose and outcomes of chemistry outreach

251st National Meeting (2016)

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