Narrowing the gap between classroom science and research science: What are the benefits for students and teachers

This project documents the meaningful outcomes that arise from pairing secondary, science students and teachers with mentoring scientists in a research environment. It dissects the experiences of nine teachers and ten students along their journey through an intensive summer research experience called STARS. The objectives of this paper are to (1) identify the authentic elements of science that are missing from classroom science, (2) evaluate the changes in scientific perception of participants from the STARS Summer Research Program, and (3) discuss how to bring authentic science into the classroom. A pre-inquiry questionnaire measuring subjects' prior scientific attitudes and beliefs was compared with journal entries, discussion group comments and interview responses, measuring new scientific attitudes and beliefs as a result of STARS. Students and teachers participating in the STARS Program showed enhanced awareness for the authentic culture that surrounds research science. Students expressed new desires to choose a career in the scientific field. Teachers rekindled their passion for science teaching. All subjects were engaged in true scientific inquiry.