Zooming into STEM: Designing Curriculum Around Guest Presentations in an Online After-School STEM Program for Title I Elementary Students

Abstract

The WonderKids program is a virtual after-school STEM initiative serving K–5 students from Title I schools in South Los Angeles. Designed to increase representation and engagement in STEM, each six-week semester focuses on unique subfields in science as its theme. Each week features guest speakers from diverse backgrounds who are professionals in the given subfields. In Fall 2023, the curriculum development approach was modified to more directly prepare students for these guest presentations. To assess the impact of this shift, we analyzed students’ pre- and post-tests and guest speaker surveys on student preparedness. Scores improved significantly from pre- to post, especially for 3rd–5th-grade students, suggesting effective content learning. Additionally, students expressed strong enjoyment across topics and activities and most post-test drawings reflected accurate scientific understanding and increased self-identification with STEM professionals. However, guest speaker survey responses across years revealed no statistically significant differences in their perceptions of students’ preparedness or background knowledge, even after the curriculum development approach was revised in an attempt to better prepare students for guest presentations. These findings support the program’s effectiveness in fostering early STEM interest but suggest the program could be further improved through continued refinement of how students are prepared for speaker presentations.