The document summarizes research on 9th grade students' interests in science, out-of-school experiences related to science, and perceptions of scientists. A survey was administered to 97 students in living environment and foundation of science classes. Results showed gender differences in interests, with males more interested in physical sciences and females in biological sciences. Gender differences were also found in out-of-school experiences and perceptions of scientists, with females more likely to view scientists negatively and associate them with stereotypes. The research indicates that gender stereotypes may still influence students' views of science careers.

1. Out of school experiences, interests, and views of scientists of 9 th grade living environment and foundation of science students. Arkadiy Abrakhimov May 13, 2009

2. Introduction Research conducted in 1990s have shown significant difference between gender and science in the following categories: Science interests Out of school experiences related to science Perception of scientists Males have interests and of school experiences that deal physical sciences while females have out of school experiences and interests that deal with biological sciences. Interested about if these trends are still present today and if these trends have changed in the past decade.

3. Research Questions Are there gender differences in students’ interests in science? Are there gender differences in students’ out of school experiences associated with science? Are there gender differences in students’ perception of scientists?

4. Research Methods Un-Random selection of students in classes of: Two 9 th grade living environment Two 9 th grade foundation of science Total of 97 students involved: 48 males 49 females A survey was given to the students Each student was given full class period to complete the survey The survey was Likert based and consisted of three parts

5. Survey Part I - Interests Students were asked: what I want to learn about 20 interests were given with Likert scare of 1-4 (1 = not interested, 4 = very interested) Part II – Out of School Experiences Students were asked: How often have you done this outside school 25 experiences were given with Likert scale of 1-4 (1 = never, 4 = often) Part III – Perception of Scientists Students were asked: How do you picture a scientist to be Two choices were given on this part. Either draw a scientist or complete a cluster web

6. Results Students’ Interests in Science Students’ out of school experiences Students’ perception of scientists

8. Results Students’ Interests in Science Students’ out of school experiences Students’ perception of scientists

10. Results – Perception of Scientists Drawing a Scientist 79% of students drew their scientists as males More females gave their scientists stereotypical characteristics (weird smile, wild eyes, funny hair) than males Cluster Web of Scientists Both sexes considered scientists to be smart, experimental, and very careful More females considered scientist to be nerds, anti-social, and playing with chemicals.

11. Conclusion The science interests results show that males are interested in physical sciences while females are interested in biological sciences. However, the lack of significance in some physical science interests and out of school experiences might indicate that gender differences in science is shrinking. The out of school experiences results show that out of school experiences are greatly influenced by gender roles. Girls are taught to be social, caring, genuine individuals and therefore the biological sciences offer these characteristics. Hence they pursue a health/biological related career. The perception of scientists results show that scientists are seen as males and deal with physical aspect of science which is not favored by females.

12. Limitations + Implications Sample Size and Un-random selection Location of School Some of the out of school experiences may not pertain to students because the school was located in an urban area. Ex: using a saw, chopping wood, making fire from wood. Teachers May greatly impact students’ feelings about science We need more female physics, chemistry, and geology teachers who will inspire female students to pursue a physical science related career Media Males and females at an early age are exposed to stereotypical representation of scientists via TV shows, computers, and magazines