STEM Clubs and Science Fair Competitions: Effects on Post-Secondary Matriculation

Abstract

A quantitative case study design was employed to investigate the relationships between students’ science fair and STEM club participation and their STEM major selection. Study data were collected through an online survey from a multi-school charter school system in which doing a science fair project was expected for all 4-12 grade students and students were encouraged to participate other STEM-related clubs (MATHCOUNTS, American Mathematics Competition [AMC], Science Olympiad, University Interscholastic League [UIL], Science DEMO.). Results of the study showed that multiple years of science fair project competition were positively related with students choosing a postsecondary STEM major. There was a relationship between the number of STEM clubs students participated in and their choice of STEM major. Findings are discussed in light of retaining students within the STEM pipeline.