FURI | Fall 2018

Factors Affecting STEM Competency in K-5 Children

This study aims to identify factors from a child’s parent, which influences the child’s STEM competency; in particular, whether the parent’s current occupation influences their child’s STEM competency, and additionally whether the parent’s career aspiration for their child influences their child’s STEM competency. Preliminary analyses of data from parent survey responses suggest that children whose parents have a STEM occupation, and those who want their children to have a STEM career, show a high STEM competency. Identifying whether these factors have a role in STEM competency can be a valuable insight into promoting STEM learning during primary and secondary education.