Impact of Career Integrated STEM Topic “Biomedical Research and Product Development” Grade 10 Students’ Career Interests and Academic Performance

Abstract

Career orientation is a crucial objective of STEM education activities. In this research, a STEM topic was organized following the scientific research process, where students assumed the roles of researchers developing biomedical products. They formulated an experimental plan to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of alcohol and silver nanoparticles on bacteria sourced from hands. The STEM Career Interest Survey tool by Kier et al. (2014) was adapted and administered before and after the STEM experiential activity to assess changes in students' career interests. Additionally, students' career orientation competency was recorded based on the results of Q&A sessions, written tests, and their learning products. The level of achievement in biology competency through the STEM topic was evaluated based on the results of competency assessments and the students' learning products. A pedagogical experiment involving 44 tenth-grade students demonstrated that they had developed competencies in understanding the living world, an essential aspect of career orientation related to scientific research. Moreover, a t-test validation of the career interest survey results before and after the pedagogical experiment indicated significant increases in personal goals, student preferences, and interest in Technology and Engineering fields. Through the written test conducted after the STEM topic, students also clearly articulated their thoughts on the prospects, qualities, and essential competencies needed as biomedical product research specialists and self-assessed their suitability for this career.