Abstract

This paper presents research results of Innovative Technology Challenges for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (ITECH-STEM) project developed for elementary aged children through Technology focused summer STEM camp. The ITECH-STEM project addresses gaps in the literature regarding educational uses of digital storytelling, programming and coding, and 3-D modeling and printing. Research data collected on spatial thinking (ability to see, identify and rotate 3D shapes or objects mentally), attitudes toward STEM subjects and careers, 21st century skills, and the impact of camp activities on students’ growth mindset will be discussed. Data collected for in the past years (2018 and 2019) will be analyzed and presented in the paper. Preliminary analysis of several years of data will include comparison of mean scores of pre and post test results of surveys administered during the ITECH-STEM program. The paper will also include a section of “Lessons Learned” and “Best Practices” section for STEM educators.

Citation

Dogan, B. (2020). A Summer Technology Camp’s Impact on Elementary Students’ Stem Attitudes, Spatial Thinking, 21st Century Skills, and Growth Mindset: The Innovative Technology Challenges for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (ITECH-STEM). In D. Schmidt-Crawford (Ed.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 1733-1741). Online: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved August 10, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/216051/.

© 2020 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)