New Perspectives in Science Education

Middle school (ages 11-14) is a period when students – particularly female students – are vulnerable to ‘becoming less scientific’.¹ Supporting middle school students’ development of positive attitudes and abilities in science can help keep them engaged in science^2,3, and positive attitudes toward science are particularly important for marginalized science learner⁴. Connections between home and school can also help by promoting positive science identities⁵, and family engagement is important in supporting academic success^6,7. Science cafés are a form of informal science programming that have been shown to enhance teens’ views on science⁸. Over the last three years, the Elon Explorers Science Slices science café has built community around STEM engagement through a monthly series of informal science events. These events invite participation by middle school students and their families. Each event includes a meal, a short presentation by an invited speaker, and a hands-on science activity. Over the span of the program, engagement has increased with students and families coming from across the local region. During 2023-2024, we recorded 464 instances of engaging people with science through Science Slices (147 instances with middle school students and 317 instances with family members). More than half of the 48 unique students who participated in Science Slices during 2023-2024 attended multiple events, and one-third of these students attended at least three events. Recurring participation by students and their families suggests the development of a community as well as a perceived value by students and their families. Analysis of qualitative data, including registration surveys, exit surveys, anecdotal notes, and interviews, reveal several themes. The events show impacts on improving access and engagement with science, developing students’ science identities, and developing relationships between university faculty, university students, local school children, and their families.