This paper will summarize the findings obtained through the work of a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored grant entitled, “Making Connections: Resources for K-12 Service-learning and Experiential Learning in STEM Disciplines.” The objective of this grant was to encourage K-12 educators to incorporate service-learning into the science and math curriculum by providing an easy-to-use resource. It was hoped that the use of service-learning in the science and math curriculum would help promote the entry of women and minorities into the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, increase the potential pool of engineers and scientists in the United States, contribute to the development of STEM educators and enhance cultural sensitivity, ethics and social responsibility in future STEM workers. The methodology used to develop, assess and refine the web based resource will be discussed. Additionally, the research design and inferential statistics used to assess the impact of service-learning on K-12 students’ perceptions of STEM careers will be presented.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/margaret_pinnell/3/