The effect of a science festival for special education students on communicating science

Abstract

Science festivals have been reported as an effective way to communicate science between scientists and the public; however, only a few studies have examined systematically and consistently how the festivals effect the public's conceptions of science. Moreover, few studies about science festivals for special education students are conducted. This study is based on findings from five years of reflective writings and drawings on Seullim Science Festivals collected by the Busan Institute of Science Education in Korea. Seullim Science Festival aims to give opportunities for Special Education students to engage in a variety of science experiments and to enjoy the basic rights of science for all students. The rich qualitative data were analyzed using a ground theory and categorized by the themes. The findings presented in this paper show the impressions of the special education students on the festivals and their pride in being a participating member. Additionally, the festivals gave opportunities for non-special education students to become more insightful understanding to special education students and to engage in science. The authors of the current study hope other science festival organizers and science educators find the information useful.