Promoting Scientific Literacy in High School: Insights from Short-Term STEM Collaborative Projects

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Promoting Scientific Literacy in High School: Insights from Short-Term STEM Collaborative Projects
Language: English
Authors: Inês Miranda (ORCID 0000-0003-4773-2877), Rita Campos (ORCID 0000-0003-4184-3269), José Melo-Ferreira (ORCID 0000-0003-4473-1908), Maria Natália Pinto Ferreira, João Pedro Marques (ORCID 0000-0001-9834-1361)
Source: European Journal of STEM Education. 2025 10(1).
Availability: Lectito Journals. Wassenaarseweb 20, 2596 CH, The Hague, The Netherlands. Tel: 31-70-2190600; e-mail: info@lectitojournals.com; Web site: http://www.lectitopublishing.nl
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Scientific Literacy, High School Students, Partnerships in Education, College School Cooperation, Student Projects, Active Learning, Biology, Program Effectiveness, Research Universities, STEM Education
Geographic Terms: Portugal
ISSN: 2468-1954
2468-4368
Abstract: Fostering scientific literacy is a key societal goal to equip individuals with skills to navigate and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world. The development of project-based learning (PBL) approaches can effectively promote scientific engagement, but their implementation often presents challenges for teachers. This study presents a framework implemented in a Portuguese high school that encourages collaborative partnerships between schools and research institutions, actively involving students in STEM research projects. This approach consists of the development of year-long scientific projects that rely on a PBL framework, but in which researchers guide ideation and implementation, therefore overcoming challenges for teachers, who take a supporting role. Through a case study in Biology, we illustrate a practical application and share insights from an evaluation survey that assessed students' experience and acquired knowledge, highlighting valuable lessons and areas for improvement. Our findings indicate that these initiatives improve students' comprehension of the scientific process, offering an effective model to enhance their scientific literacy.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1485824
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Fostering scientific literacy is a key societal goal to equip individuals with skills to navigate and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world. The development of project-based learning (PBL) approaches can effectively promote scientific engagement, but their implementation often presents challenges for teachers. This study presents a framework implemented in a Portuguese high school that encourages collaborative partnerships between schools and research institutions, actively involving students in STEM research projects. This approach consists of the development of year-long scientific projects that rely on a PBL framework, but in which researchers guide ideation and implementation, therefore overcoming challenges for teachers, who take a supporting role. Through a case study in Biology, we illustrate a practical application and share insights from an evaluation survey that assessed students' experience and acquired knowledge, highlighting valuable lessons and areas for improvement. Our findings indicate that these initiatives improve students' comprehension of the scientific process, offering an effective model to enhance their scientific literacy.
ISSN:2468-1954
2468-4368