Oh, the Places We Learn! Exploring Interest in Science at Science Fiction Conventions

Autor/inn/en	Childers, Gina M.; Governor, Donna; Greer, Kania; James, Vaughan
Titel	Oh, the Places We Learn! Exploring Interest in Science at Science Fiction Conventions
Quelle	In: Electronic Journal for Research in Science & Mathematics Education, 26 (2023) 4, S.40-61 (22 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Childers, Gina M.) ORCID (Governor, Donna) ORCID (Greer, Kania) ORCID (James, Vaughan)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Schlagwörter	Science Fiction; Conferences (Gatherings); Science Interests; STEM Careers; Informal Education; Science Education; Information Utilization; Adults + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Informelle Bildung; Nichtformale Bildung; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Informationsnutzung
Abstract	Science fiction conventions are places where individuals with an interest in diverse genres and mediums can engage with a community that bridges the world of science fiction and fact. Many of these conventions provide a science "track" where science experts share their expertise and research on scientific findings and applications of science with science fiction enthusiasts. This study explored science fiction conference attendees' (n = 241) interest in science, as well as how attendees (n = 172) plan to utilize science shared at science track sessions. Survey responses were analyzed within "STEM career" groups by comparing science track and non-science track attendees, and documenting what science track attendees plan to do with the information gained at a science track session. There were no differences in how science track attendees and non-science track attendees with STEM careers reported their interest in science. For the attendees that did not report having a career related to STEM, science track participants reported higher interest scores than non-science track attendees. Over half of the science track attendees (66%) shared they will apply what they learned from a science track session to their own personal context. Furthermore, the demographics of the survey respondents may suggest that science fiction conventions are an untapped science learning environment connecting to a younger, more diverse community. Overall, recognizing the benefit of science fiction conventions is crucial to provide spaces for accessible venues of science communication to foster an interest in science for a diverse, public audience. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Southwestern University and Texas Christian University. TCU Box 297900, Fort Worth, TX 76129. Tel: 817-257-6115; e-mail: ICRSME.Consultation@gmail.com; Web site: http://ejrsme.icrsme.com
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01