Increasing middle school student interest in STEM careers with videos of scientists

Students are making choices in middle school that will impact their desire and ability to
pursue STEM careers. Providing middle school students with accurate information about
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers enables them to make
more knowledgeable choices about courses of study and career paths. Practical ways of
helping students understand the nature of science careers are limited. This study
investigates using video interviews of STEM professionals as a method for better informing
students about STEM career possibilities. ANCOVA analysis was used to compare treatment
and comparison student interest in pursuing STEM careers before and after viewing
video interviews with STEM professionals. Evidence for implementing video interviews as
a way to interest middle school students in pursuing STEM careers exists. No gender differential
in interest in STEM was detected.