Engaging Latinx Students in STEM Learning through Chemistry Concepts

ABSTRACT

There is an urgent need for more Latinx students to pursue careers in STEM related fields as this has historically been an unserved population in schools. This mixed methods study examined the impact of a summer STEM pipeline program focused on hands-on chemistry concepts for 28 Latinx students in the 5th grade. Findings include statistically significant gains in Latinx students understanding of chemical reactions. Additionally, Latinx students noted increased content knowledge when taught through a constructivist hands on approach, an elevated interest in science, and an enthusiasm for learning about science concepts, thus promoting STEM based education for further career paths.

KEYWORDS:

• Chemistry
• STEM
• elementary
• next generation science standards
• chemistry concepts
• curriculum

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.