Alexandra Okada
Original article: Okada, Alexandra (2024). A self-reported instrument to measure and foster students’ science connection to life with the CARE-KNOW-DO model and open schooling for sustainability. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 61(10) pp. 2362–2404. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21964

A Research-Based Solution: The CARE-KNOW-DO Model
To tackle this issue, researchers developed and tested the CARE-KNOW-DO model, a teaching framework that:

• Encourages real-world problem-solving
• Connects students with families, communities, and scientists
• Focuses on science’s value to society and the planet

This model is rooted in the open schooling approach, where learning extends beyond the classroom and into students’ lives.

New Tool: Measuring Students’ “Science Connection”
The research team created a 32-item survey instrument to measure how strongly students feel connected to science in their:

• Personal lives
• Social communities
• Global challenges

This tool, tested with over 2,000 underserved students in five countries, gives teachers real-time, actionable feedback in multiple languages. It’s now been used with more than 50,000 students and translated into five languages.

What the Research Found:

• Students’ connection to science often declines in secondary school, but can be revived through open schooling and relevant, active learning.
• Countries like Brazil, Spain, and Romania showed high levels of student connection to science.
• Gender and nonbinary disparities were evident, pointing to a need for more inclusive science teaching strategies.
• Students engaged in CARE-KNOW-DO activities showed growth in six key skills:
  • Self-initiative
  • Problem-solving
  • Emotional engagement
  • Scientific citizenship
  • Authentic learning
  • Future outlook

Older students especially benefited in areas like global citizenship, but needed more support in problem-solving.

Classroom and Policy Implications:

• For teachers: Use the science connection tool to better understand your students’ motivations and adjust lessons to be more inclusive, engaging, and relevant.
• For policymakers: Support the scaling of open schooling to connect science learning with real-world sustainability and equity issues.

Helpful Resources:

These findings are now being used in the new resource book: Knowledge Cartography for Young Thinkers: Sustainability Issues, Mapping Techniques, and AI Tools. This guide will help teachers support real-world science problem-solving, especially among underserved students.

Global Applications:

The CARE-KNOW-DO model, supported by four EU projects and featured at UNESCO’s 2024 Global Education Meeting, aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4—ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Keywords: science, motivation, sustainability, inclusion, global citizenship