Gender Test Differences during an Environmental Camp

Abstract

Three years of data from a week-long environmental camp were analyzed to determine the effects of gender on test scores. Pre- and post-tests were used to measure attitudes, knowledge, and expectations, in addition to perceptions of amount learned, the camp's organization, and enjoyability of the experience. Two significant gender differences were found. The females were lower on the knowledge pre-test and made greater gains between the two knowledge tests. Explanations for the pre-test difference focused on the sexist structure of both American society and the educational system. Recommendations and implications for natural resource based programs were made.