Scientific fairs as scenarios for motivating interest in science in Chilean high school students from the Metropolitan region

Abstract

This study evaluated the short-term perception of a scientific fair on motivation, complexity and interest in science in Chilean high school students. The fair consisted of stands of different formats presented by graduate students. The attendees of the event were high school students that ranged from 14-18 years from all socioeconomic ranks of the metropolitan region of Chile. A survey was carried out prior to the entrance to the fair, and a later one, upon departure. The results show that motivation and interest in science increased after the experience, while the perception of the complexity of science decreased. Results of this study suggest that science fairs have a positive impact or impression on attendees, and that it does not depend on gender or socioeconomic level. These results are partially consistent with similar studies carried out in other countries.