Connecting Science, Design Thinking, and Computational Thinking through Sports

Abstract

Despite calls for both research and curricular implementations that support underrepresented students’ exploration of STEM topics, curricula that apply principles of embodied cognition, such as the use of sports to teach science, are still needed. Further research may also serve to clarify how underrepresented students construct knowledge over time and make sense of embodied STEM learning experiences. In order to encourage engagement with science education, the four-week Science Through Sports summer curriculum was designed and implemented at a middle school located in an economically underrepresented urban area. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore 15 middle school students' attitudes toward science, design thinking, and computational thinking as a result of engaging in Science Through Sports. Findings revealed growth in students’ attitudes toward science and science identities, as well as development of skills, self-efficacy, and knowledge in relation to science, sports, computational thinking, and design thinking.