That's RAD! Science STEM books: Survey results on adult perceptions of benefits and impacts

Abstract

The need for early engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and representation of role models in STEM careers is of national and international importance. The That's RAD! Science project aims to address these needs through a series of engaging picture books for younger children that feature women in STEM as role models. The goal of this research project was to use a survey tool to gain feedback from adults on their impression of the impacts and benefits on children of the That's RAD! Science books, as well as their perceptions of the benefits of STEM engagement and use of identifiable women in STEM as role models. Participants were sent a set of four That's RAD! Science books for children to engage with and the adult participant then completed an online survey. A total of 83 participants were recruited, with a 61% completion rate for the online survey. Of these, 98% identified as parents/carers. Survey data showed the That's RAD! Science books engaged children and the books are also beneficial to informal hands-on learning processes. <br /><br /> In addition, survey results revealed that the books are useful in exploring STEM topics and encouraging children to think about career pathways in STEM by using identifiable female role models in STEM careers. More broadly, survey data reinforced previous findings that an understanding of STEM is important for young children; children are highly engaged by informal learning processes; and exposure to identifiable, relatable, female role models in STEM careers is perceived as being valuable to long-term engagement.