An assessment of the impact of community science festivals in promoting STEM education in Zuru LGA, Kebbi State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Community science festivals are dynamic, interactive events that bring together students, educators, and local stakeholders to celebrate and promote STEM education. In Zuru LGA, Kebbi State, these festivals serve as vital platforms for disseminating scientific knowledge and inspiring interest in STEM among young learners. Such events create opportunities for hands-on experimentation, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops that complement formal classroom instruction (Adetola, 2023). By engaging the community in science-related activities, these festivals help demystify complex STEM concepts and foster a culture of curiosity and innovation. Recent studies have shown that community-based educational initiatives can significantly boost student enthusiasm for science, thereby leading to improved academic outcomes and increased enrollment in STEM courses (Bashir, 2024). In Zuru LGA, community science festivals have been strategically organized to address local educational challenges, including limited access to quality science education and a general lack of interest in STEM subjects. The festivals often feature collaborations between schools, local government, and non-governmental organizations, aiming to create a sustained impact on the educational landscape. They provide a unique opportunity for students to interact with scientists, participate in experiments, and witness real-world applications of scientific principles. This hands-on exposure not only reinforces classroom learning but also stimulates long-term interest in STEM careers. Moreover, these festivals have the added benefit of fostering community pride and encouraging parental involvement in education, which are critical factors for educational success (Chinedu, 2025). Despite the potential benefits, the actual impact of these festivals on student learning and overall STEM engagement remains underexplored. There is a need to evaluate whether the short-term excitement generated by these events translates into long-term improvements in STEM knowledge and academic performance. This study will investigate the influence of community science festivals on promoting STEM education in Zuru LGA by examining participant experiences, evaluating changes in student attitudes towards science, and assessing any measurable improvements in academic performance. By analyzing data from festival surveys, school assessments, and focus group discussions, the research aims to provide comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of these community-driven initiatives. Ultimately, the findings are expected to inform future program design and policy interventions, ensuring that science festivals not only entertain but also contribute meaningfully to the educational development of the region.
Statement of the Problem
Although community science festivals are frequently organized in Zuru LGA as part of efforts to promote STEM education, their overall impact on student learning and engagement remains uncertain. Many stakeholders question whether the excitement and short-term exposure provided by these festivals result in lasting educational benefits. Despite significant investment of time and resources, there is limited empirical evidence linking participation in these festivals with improved academic performance in STEM subjects (Adetola, 2023). Furthermore, the festivals often face challenges such as inconsistent organization, inadequate follow-up activities, and limited integration with the formal curriculum. These issues contribute to skepticism about the long-term value of such community-based initiatives. Moreover, disparities in participation—wherein only a fraction of the student population is able to attend due to logistical or socio-economic constraints—raise concerns about equitable access to these opportunities (Bashir, 2024). The lack of structured evaluation mechanisms means that many of the benefits of science festivals, such as increased interest in science or enhanced critical thinking skills, remain anecdotal rather than documented. Additionally, teachers and school administrators express concerns that the festivals, while engaging, do not necessarily translate into improved classroom performance. This disconnect between the perceived immediate benefits and long-term academic gains has led to questions regarding the overall effectiveness of community science festivals as a tool for promoting STEM education. This study seeks to address these issues by systematically assessing the impact of community science festivals on student attitudes, engagement, and performance in STEM subjects in Zuru LGA. It will explore the factors that contribute to both the successes and shortcomings of these festivals, providing a comprehensive analysis that will help refine future initiatives and ensure that they deliver sustained educational value (Chinedu, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
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To evaluate the impact of community science festivals on student interest and performance in STEM.
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To identify challenges in the organization and integration of these festivals with the formal curriculum.
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To recommend strategies for enhancing the long-term educational benefits of community science festivals.
Research Questions
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How do community science festivals influence student attitudes towards STEM subjects?
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What challenges limit the effectiveness of these festivals in improving STEM academic performance?
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How can the organization and curricular integration of science festivals be improved to yield better educational outcomes?
Research Hypotheses
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Participation in community science festivals leads to a measurable increase in student interest in STEM subjects.
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Inadequate follow-up activities after the festivals contribute to limited long-term academic improvement.
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Better coordination between festival organizers and school curricula will result in improved student performance in STEM.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides an evidence-based evaluation of community science festivals as a tool for promoting STEM education. The results will help stakeholders optimize festival design and better integrate these events with formal education, ultimately enhancing student engagement and academic performance in STEM.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The research is confined to community science festivals in Zuru LGA, Kebbi State, and focuses on their role in promoting STEM education. It does not examine other types of extracurricular educational programs. Limitations include variability in festival quality and differences in school participation levels.
Definitions of Terms
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Community Science Festival: A public event designed to engage and educate communities about scientific concepts through interactive activities.
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STEM Engagement: The degree of interest, participation, and enthusiasm that students exhibit toward STEM subjects.
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Curricular Integration: The systematic incorporation of extracurricular learning activities into the formal education curriculum.
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