The impact of science fair on the students’ engagement, capacity, continuity, and motivation towards science learning

Abstract

KLESF: The Fair 2017 is 3-day science fair organized in Malaysia to promote STEM education. This event has been conducted for four consecutive years, yet, little is known about the impact of the event. This study investigated the impact of KLESF: The Fair on Malaysia high school students. 360 students from three secondary schools volunteered to participate in the survey. They completed a pre-test on students’ motivation toward science learning before the event. A post-test, identical to the pre-test plus student engagement, capacity, and continuity outcome questionnaire was administered after the event. Results indicated that the students were engaged to and gained new knowledge from the event. This event positively influenced their desire to pursue a science-related career. The students’ motivation towards science learning has improved significantly after the event. Many students commented that the event was interesting, fun, attractive, enjoyable; they can learn and remember the science knowledge easily