The Impact of a Problem-Based Learning Launcher Unit on Eighth Grade Students' Motivation and Interest in Science

Science Learning: Integrating Design, Engineering, and Research (SLIDER) is a five year NSF-funded research project that involves collaboration between K-12 educators, university faculty, and educational outreach specialists. The project's objective is to design and implement a Problem-based Learning (PBL) curriculum using engineering design and LEGO robotics as the context for teaching eighth grade physical science content and process skills while encouraging critical thinking. In addition to studying the curriculum's impact on student learning, we are also examining its impact on student motivation and interest in science. In this second year of our project, participating teachers at one of our school sites implemented a 4-week Launcher Unit that focused on engaging students in scientific inquiry and engineering design. Our purpose is to examine ways in which student motivation and interest in science were affected by engaging with the SLIDER PBL curriculum.