Fun is Not Enough: Attitudes of Hispanic Middle School Students toward Science and Scientists

Abstract

This article examines the impact of a Space Science Education Program (SSEP) for students enrolled in New Mexico Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) classes in middle schools with a large Hispanic enrollment. An instrument was developed to measure the students’ attitudes toward science and scientists before and after the program. After exposure to the SSEP program, a significant and positive increase in attitudes was found. However, our study suggests that most of these students have difficulty with perceiving themselves as scientists, probably due to a lack of exposure to role models and negative media stereotypes. They also lack information on the rewards of a career in science, including opportunities in college, and they think they must be a genius at math to pursue a technical career.