Factors influencing elementary school children's attitudes toward science before, during, and after a visit to the UK National Space Centre

摘要: This article reports on attitude changes of 300 children, aged 10 or 11 years, from four schools, who visited the UK National Space Centre. Attitudes toward science and space were explored by examining responses to five different scales. These administered before, immediately after, 2 months 4–5 after a visit main exhibition area Challenger Observations during visits interviews teachers sample children carried out. Before girls more anxious than boys. Immediately afterward, showed interest in moderate increase their views about value society. Nearly 20% pupils an increased desire become scientists future. also positive advantage over other with regard enthusiasm interest. Two later, they continued be being future but only girls' scores still significantly raised. Most found experience had problems area. Teachers' preparation support as well personal significant long-term effect children's attitudes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 42: 53–83, 2005