Student Research Reports

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This study is an analysis of existing survey data collected in a retrospective pre-post survey of classrooms in South Central Alaska. The study asks, “How does participating in hands-on data collection with the GLOBE program affect students’ awareness of natural processes, interest in science, and interest in STEM classes and careers?” The survey recorded students’ perceived changes in their understanding of natural processes, interest in science, and interest in STEM classes and careers before and after participating in hands-on data collection through GLOBE Protocols. Protocols included the Clouds Protocol, Maximum, Minimum, and Current Temperature Protocol, Soil Temperature Protocol, Air Temperature Protocol, and Green-Down Protocol. Survey analysis was performed using sign tests in R. Statistical analysis indicated that there was a significant positive change between before and after for all four before/after questions, suggesting that participating in hands-on data collection with the GLOBE program does have a positive significant impact on students’ interest in and knowledge of science. However, many limitations and possible sources of error are identified, suggesting that further research is necessary.