| dc.description.abstract | In the two present studies that comprise this thesis, the researcher observes participants between ages 12-17 in two STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) summer camp sessions, both held at the same southeastern Texas university. The first present study concerns the effects of CAD software and a STEAM survey on participants’ visual-spatial and creative abilities. The second present study aims to compare how the participants perceived creativity in STEM before and after attending the STEM summer camp. It also identifies which types of specific creative activities were preferred by these middle and high school participants. The results in both studies were analyzed by the entire set of participants, by gender, and by ethnic group. The 3D CAD software did not improve the visual-spatial skills for any of these classifications of participants; however, it seemed to positively affect males’ creative actions. Females, males, and Blacks preferred “Bridge Building” as their most creative activity. Asians/Indians, Hispanics, and Caucasians/Whites, on the other hand, preferred “3D Printing/Modelling” as their most creative activity. These insights could aid in future research about diverse secondary students’ recruitment and retention in STEM classes and fields. | en |
