The effect of the Horsham Greenpower Goblin Challenge on children's attitudes towards science, engineering and technology

Abstract

This research examines the effects of the Horsham Greenpower Goblin Challenge (HGGC), a hands-on science, engineering and technology (SET) project, on the attitudes of Year 5, primary-school children towards SET. The data collection centred on pre- and post-HGGC questionnaires using Likert scales and picture/word images of scientists and engineers. It was found that the HGGC did not significantly alter children's attitudes to SET and did not dispel previous negative images and attitudes. It was concluded that a greater understanding and acknowledgement of children's existing attitudes was required when designing initiatives aimed at dispelling negative and promoting positive images of SET.

Keywords:

• science
• engineering
• children's attitudes
• hands-on
• SET
• science and society

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to the head teachers, teachers and pupils of the Horsham primary schools involved in this project for their support for HGGC and the time they gave for interviews and questionnaires and to Ian Still of HDBEP, Crawley, for his enthusiasm and help in facilitating the collection of information from HGGC organisers, sponsors, teachers and pupils.