Design of a Research-based Assessment for Children’s Attitudes and Motivation at Chemistry Outreach and Museum Events

Abstract

Outreach activities have been an ongoing commitment of the American Chemical Society and other scientific organizations, yet formal assessment of outcomes has been infrequent. We have designed a simple, reliable, and robust format for assessing attitudinal and motivational characteristics of participants attending informal public events that promote interest in and understanding of chemistry. In final form, this 6-item survey can be distributed on the front and back of an 8.5 x 5.5 card (for pre- and post- assessment). Challenges in design included construct selection and independence, adjusting language for the grade 3-12 populations, physical form and distribution, efficiency and reliability of completion, and item performance and symmetry. Along with a description of the design process, psychometric characteristics and results of field testing at outreach events are described.