Home Support and Elementary Informal STEM Participation
Abstract: Prior research has shown a connection between early out-of-school-time (OST) STEM and its relationship with later STEM experiences and STEM career interest. An examination of the precursors to early OST STEM experiences may show us how to give children an early start in STEM that is long lasting. This study examines the association of home support of science with early informal OST STEM experiences, in grades K-4, through logistic regression models and the calculation of prototypical odds ratios. Results indicate that students’ home support of science was significantly correlated with the following two K-4 OST experiences: tinkered with mechanical and tinkered with electrical devices in grades K-4. Our findings suggest that home support of science could be a precursor to future OST STEM involvement at an early age.