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Evaluating the Impact of Challenger Center Missions on Student STEM Outcomes

Principal Investigator

Christopher Doss – RAND

Project Description

This study evaluates the impact of Challenger Center’s simulation-based “mission” experiences on middle school students’ STEM attitudes and behaviors. Using a randomized controlled trial, teachers within schools will be randomly assigned to have their students participate in a Challenger Center mission or continue with business-as-usual STEM activities. The study includes multiple districts across diverse geographic contexts and collects data through student and teacher surveys at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up, as well as administrative data on course-taking and STEM participation. Outcomes include student STEM self-efficacy, interest, identity, and engagement, as well as longer-term indicators such as elective course-taking and participation in STEM-related activities.

Research Questions

  • What is the impact of Challenger Center missions on students’ STEM self-efficacy, interest, and STEM identity in the short term and at follow-up?
  • What is the impact on longer-term behaviors, including STEM course-taking and participation in STEM activities?
  • How do impacts vary across student subgroups and implementation contexts, and what are participant and teacher perceptions of the experience?

Status

In Progress

Study Type

RCT

Grantee

Challenger Center

RAND

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