South Dakota secondary school students' science attitudes and the implementation of NASA's Digital Learning Network's 'Can a Shoebox Fly? Challenge'

This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to data collection from secondary science students. A parallel pre- and post science attitudes survey, developed by Ingrid Novodvorsky, was used in addition to face-to-face interviews and evidence collected from the students' notebooks. The findings in this study indicate the students' attitude towards science was more positive after the "Can A Shoebox Fly? Challenge" with regards to interest in science class and activities in science class (Factor 1); confidence in their ability to do science (Factor 2) as well as their overall interest in science in general. Additionally, both genders showed a positive change in attitudes for the above factors and there was no significant difference between males and females. A negative change in attitudes occurred pertaining to student interest in science-related activities outside of school (Factor 3). The same negative change occurred among males and females with no significant difference between the two genders. The implication of this study provides future research with all of NASA's Digital Learning Network modules to enhance students' interest in STEM careers and STEM student achievement.