A Study of the Engagement of Ghanaian High School Students in Authentic Science Using Model Biodigesters
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| Title: | A Study of the Engagement of Ghanaian High School Students in Authentic Science Using Model Biodigesters |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rita Ortiz (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. 2025 23(5):1401-1438. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 38 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of International Science & Engineering (OISE) |
| Contract Number: | 1827132 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, High School Students, Secondary School Science, Science Education, Authentic Learning, Science Equipment, Sanitation, Recycling, Organic Chemistry, Science Process Skills, After School Programs, Clubs, Science Activities, Scientific Research, Student Research, Cooperative Learning, Engineering |
| Geographic Terms: | Ghana |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10763-024-10508-9 |
| ISSN: | 1571-0068 1573-1774 |
| Abstract: | This project engaged Ghanaian secondary pupils in authentic science and engineering activities by using model biodigesters that reduce organic waste and produce biogas and fertiliser. The pupils' activities paralleled scientists' activities, such as asking research questions and designing experiments. Our study included two cohorts of Ghanaian pupils and US and Ghanaian university students (Cohort I--summer 2022/Cohort II--summer 2023) who worked together in an after-school science club. Our mixed methods approach incorporated a pre-test and post-test, interviews, and project product analysis. Pupils reported an awareness of differences between this project and their regular science classes. In both cohorts, results revealed a high impact on communicating information; using data to answer research questions; asking questions and defining problems; and planning and carrying out investigations. Lower impacts were observed on obtaining and evaluating information; constructing explanations and designing solutions; analysing and interpreting data; and collaborating through argumentation. The results show that science educators should utilise authentic science activities to help students develop science and engineering practices. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1472128 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | This project engaged Ghanaian secondary pupils in authentic science and engineering activities by using model biodigesters that reduce organic waste and produce biogas and fertiliser. The pupils' activities paralleled scientists' activities, such as asking research questions and designing experiments. Our study included two cohorts of Ghanaian pupils and US and Ghanaian university students (Cohort I--summer 2022/Cohort II--summer 2023) who worked together in an after-school science club. Our mixed methods approach incorporated a pre-test and post-test, interviews, and project product analysis. Pupils reported an awareness of differences between this project and their regular science classes. In both cohorts, results revealed a high impact on communicating information; using data to answer research questions; asking questions and defining problems; and planning and carrying out investigations. Lower impacts were observed on obtaining and evaluating information; constructing explanations and designing solutions; analysing and interpreting data; and collaborating through argumentation. The results show that science educators should utilise authentic science activities to help students develop science and engineering practices. |
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| ISSN: | 1571-0068 1573-1774 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10763-024-10508-9 |
