Effect of an Engineering Camp on Students' Perceptions of Engineering and Technology

Abstract

Students’ knowledge about a profession influences their future decisions about careers. Research indicates that students tend to hold stereotypical views of engineers, which would hinder engineering as a career choice. The purpose of this study was to measure how participating in a week long engineering summer camp affected middle school students’ (N519) attitudes towards engineering and their conceptions of engineering and technology. Results indicate that participation in the programs had a positive impact on the students’ understandings of what technology is and the work engineers do. Although the results indicate a positive impact on participants, it is not clear which components of the camp contributed to this change. The partnership between practicing middle school teachers and engineering faculty was important to the success of the camp, revealing the benefits of collaborative efforts between K-12 educators and engineering professionals.