The purpose of this research was to study the effect that place-based learning has on student efficacy to answer the following research question: How does the implementation of a place-based STEMS^2 unit in an after-school garden club affect fourth and fifth graders’ efficacy of STEMS^2 concepts in the context of the garden? A self-created STEMS^2 unit was implemented in a Hawaii Elementary School garden club with fourth and fifth grade students enrolled in the after-school program. The unit focused on teaching students STEMS^2 in the context of a garden. I observed the effect that this place-based type of learning had on student self-efficacy of their knowledge of the STEMS^2 concepts.

STEMS² Pillars: Makawalu, Sense of Place