An Evaluation of Homeschool Students' Interest In Science and Science Careers

Abstract

This paper evaluates homeschoolers' interest in science and science careers. Studies by Phillips (2010) and Wheaton (2010) found that homeschool students do not major in natural science as frequently as non-homeschool students, or take as many, or high as level, of science courses as non-homeschool students. The purpose of this study was to determine if interest in science was a factor in homeschool students not majoring in natural science in college or taking as many science courses in high school. The study found that young homeschool students are interested in science but there was not conclusive data on whether homeschool students are interested in science careers. This paper also highlights some problems with teaching science in homeschool and provides recommendations for further research.