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Hey there! My name is Min Sung (Ellie) Kim! Here are some fun facts about me :)
I LOVE Taylor Swift
I have lived in three different countries
In my free time I love to go to concerts, journal, watch movies, and hang out with friends!
*me with a taylor swift jesus candle
MY RESEARCH PROJECT
My project started off as an exploration of elementary students' interest in coding...
The research questions I was hoping to answer were:
Is there a significant difference in attitudes toward computer science (coding) based on gender?
Does participation in a tutorial-based coding experience have a significant impact on student attitudes toward computer science (coding)?
Is there a significant difference in the changes in student attitudes toward computer science (coding) based on gender?
With this original project, I prepared coding tutorials with a program called Scratch. It is a free website developed by MIT students that uses block coding to help younger students get involved with computer science!
With all this prepared, my project took a turn.... I think for the better! Having kids watch 4 video tutorials then play around with Scratch turned out to be unrealistic. It would be too much screen time (especially with online school)! So, we decided to go more hands-on.
MY RESEARCH PROJECT 2.0
... but it has evolved into the STEM field as a whole.
With a more hands-on approach, the lesson plans I prepared started to reflect the STEM field as a whole, not just coding.
I am starting an initiative to bring more STEM exposure to elementary school students. They will be able to build solar cars, windmills, as well as learn how to build and program their own robots. I also hope to have guest speakers and presenters, real life scientists that can serve as role models, especially for underrepresented students and young girls.
This will all take place in a summer camp format!
I started to document my ideas onto this Google Document.
These initial ideas turned into more complex lesson plans (that are still in the works). You can check out some of the things I hope to do with kids on the document below! Or, click here!
Link to the survey (See the 4th and 5th grade one on page 13!) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256081128_Student_Attitudes_toward_STEM_The_Development_of_Upper_Elementary_School_and_MiddleHigh_School_Student_Surveys
FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT
WHY I CHOSE THIS RESEARCH TOPIC
My 1st year in science research, I switched my topic at least 5 times...
I struggled to find one topic that I wanted to focus on, I'm the type of person who loves everything! But the things that I know I love the most are people and science. I want to see a future where everyone is given the opportunity to do something they love.
My hope is that every kid that’s passionate about science will be told they can become scientists, even girls and kids from underrepresented groups. My summer camp is planned to be free for anyone who signs up, creating an even playing field for kids who might have never had the opportunity to receive higher education otherwise. The research I am doing will reveal the significance and effects of STEM exposure and hands-on learning. Hopefully, my research will help pave a path towards a better future for all.
So, why is this important for the world at large?
Engineering, science, and technology have huge impacts to advancements in human society. The job-growth in these fields are also accelerating, and knowledge of the STEM field is increasingly becoming important (especially skills like critical thinking and collaboration).
However, the STEM gender gap is still very prevalent, even in countries with high overall gender equity.
What comes next?
FUTURE PLANS
After all the amazing opportunities I've gotten with science research and all throughout my high school career, I have been exploring a career as a science teacher, and will be attending Brown University in the Fall!
I hope to continue the kind of work I am doing with my research project. I find it so fulfilling and so exciting. :)
<-- me and child star casey simpson at brown admitted students day lol
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