AN INVESTIGATION OF THE DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDE AND ACHIEVEMENT BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE SECOND AND FIFTH GRADE SCIENCE STUDENTS

Research has indicated a strong decline in science interest and achievement among students in middle school and high school, with significantly greater declines among female students. This study investigated the differences in attitudes toward and achievement in science between boys and girls in grades two and five to see if the gender differences observed in middle school and high school may apply to elementary students. No significant gender differences were observed in grades two and five. Therefore, it appeared that the disparity of attitudes and achievement between female and male students may originate after grade five.