Science skills on wheels: The exploration of a mobile science lab\u27s influence on teacher and student attitudes and beliefs about science

Mobile science labs are designed to provide access to hands-on science lessons primarily for K-12 students. Labs are intended to foster future scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians to address the need for skilled workers in these fields. The purpose of the study was to determine whether and how a mobile science lab could be used to promote teacher and student interest in science, teacher competence and confidence in teaching science, and encourages students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Teacher and student interaction with the TekMobile mobile science lab were explored across schools and time in this study of the program in the context of informal science education. Data were collected on teacher professional development (PD) in the form of pre- and post-PD surveys, student post-visit surveys, teacher post-visit evaluations of the program, and student focus groups. The mixed methods study was conducted at three urban elementary schools visited by the mobile lab. The results of the study revealed that after experiencing the mobile lab teachers reported feeling confident to teach science, competent to teach science, and knowledgeable about science careers. In some cases, the increments were not statistically significant. Students reported feelings of interest and enthusiasm for science. Students also reported feeling knowledgeable about science careers. However, because only post-student data were collected, additional research is necessary to conclude that mobile science labs favorably affect student attitudes and beliefs about science