Basu S., & Barton, A., 2007

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Basu S., & Barton, A. (2007). Developing a Sustained Interest in Science among Urban Minority Youth. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 44, 466-489.

In this study the researchers, Sreyashi Basu and Angela Barton were trying to find a way to keep students from low-income schools engaged in science. According to the authors most students in urban, low-income schools describe science as boring, confusing, and a source of anxiety (Basu and Barton, 2007). The authors believe that these students do not like science because it does not connect with their interests or life experiences (Basu and Barton, 2007). There has been little research done on how students’ personal connections affect their interest in science (Basu and Barton, 2007).

Basu and Barton worked with a group of middle school students who were from a low-income urban school; where over 90% of the students received free or reduced lunch (Basu and Barton, 2007). The school was also identified as an under performing school due to its low-test scores in math and language arts (Basu and Barton, 2007). The students who participated in the study were students that had been classified by the school as “high-achieving” because they were performing at grade level in both mathematics and language arts (Basu and Barton, 2007). The students were not studied in their science classrooms, but rather in an after school science program. In the study students were allowed to let their experiences and interests dictate what science concepts they would explore (Basu and Barton, 2007). Data was collected through a variety of means that included; reflection notes, participant interviews, and student work (Basu and Barton, 2007). The researchers did conclude that if students felt a connection to science and their own futures, and relationships they had a higher sustained interest in science (Basu and Barton, 2007).