The Impact of FETCH! on Children’s Perceptions of Science and Science Careers

In June of 2007, American Institutes for Research (AIR) conducted two focus groups to support WGBH in gathering feedback from children aged 7-10 on the FETCH! television program. The main objective of the focus groups were to: 1) gain insight into children' previous perceptions of scientists and whether or not such perceptions related to the demographic composition of the groups or informed their perception of scientists and scientific careers, and 2) determine how FETCH! supports or challenges these perceptions and how the seres might be enhanced to inspire children to consider careers in science. The focus groups were conducted on Wednesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 7 at AIR's facility in Concord, MA. The appendix of this report includes a consent form and focus group script (interview protocol) used in the study.