30B-3 |
Food science education as a tool for increasing science literacy: A study of science attitudes, career explorations, and food science knowledge |
P. J. HARRIS1, D. I. Skonberg, and A. A. Bushway. (1) Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Maine, 5736 Holmes Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5736 Much time and money have been expended on the quest for a scientifically literate society. Food Scientists have theorized that promoting Food Science education will lead to an increase in science literacy and an increased interest in science as a career. The objectives of the study were to determine whether a one-time introduction to Food Science in middle school would be effective in altering student attitudes towards learning science, increase their Food Science knowledge, and successfully introduce the field of Food Science as a possible career choice. The study was conducted over a three day period and included a pre-test, a food science video session, and a post-test. The same survey instrument was used for the pre and post test. General attitudes toward science and Food Science knowledge were determined for (7-8) grade students, using a series of science attitude and food safety statements. Likert style scales (1-5) were used and the students indicated their agreement with the statements. The Food Science video session included two 15-minute videos entitled “In Good Taste-Careers in Food Science” and “The Great Food Fight”. The post-test Food Science knowledge scores were significantly (p<.05) higher than the pre-test scores. The pre and post tests indicated no significant difference in male students’ science attitudes (p>.05). However, for females the scores for the post science attitude test were significantly greater than for the pre-test. The video intervention increased the boys’ interest in a food science career, however girls remained undecided about a career in food science. Middle grades are crucial for the development of fundamental knowledge and lifelong attitudes towards science. Food is a familiar subject for students and teachers and will likely open up lines of communication between the two, thus facilitating an increase in science literacy.
Session 30B, Education
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