The Impact of Socio-Scientific Activities on Middle School Students’ Attitudes and Views towards STEM

In this study, middle school students were encouraged to develop STEM based socio-scientific activities, and as a result, their attitudes and opinions towards STEM were investigated. Mixed nested method was used in this research. Sample of the study consists of 16 seventh grade students, who got educated during the 2017-18 academic year in an eastern province of Turkey. The study lasted 24 weeks during an academic year. Data was collected by using STEM Attitude Scale, STEM Interview Form, Field Notes and Informal Meetings. The research findings indicated that engagement in STEM-based socio-scientific activities significantly enhanced participants' attitudes towards STEM disciplines. Moreover, this active involvement positively impacted their skills and aspirations, fostering a greater inclination toward selecting professions and careers geared towards creating innovations to enhance human life. Additionally, it was concluded that the activities positively affected their knowledge and motivation about STEM and socialization features such as communication, interaction and sharing.