Science Interest and Classroom Culture Survey (Singelton et al., 2023)

Search and Filter

Instrument Overview

Expert Notes AvailableView expert commentary on strengths and cautions for this instrument
Strengths

Focuses on how classroom culture (working together and feeling cared for) supports student interest in science

Especially useful for understanding the experiences of students from historically marginalized groups

Cautions

Developed and tested within specific instructional contexts (e.g., OpenSciEd units)

Best for understanding patterns across classrooms, not making claims about individual students

The Science Interest and Classroom Culture Survey is a teacher questionnaire that measures beliefs, preparedness, and instructional practices related to science instruction and classroom culture. Developed by Singelton and colleagues in 2023, the survey focuses on how teachers are enacting instructional shifts aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, especially in classrooms that include multilingual learners.

The instrument addresses key features of NGSS-aligned teaching, including the use of phenomena, three-dimensional learning, coherence across lessons, language registers, multiple modalities, and student interaction. It examines these elements across three constructs: teachers’ beliefs, their sense of preparedness, and their reported practices. The survey was developed through expert review, cognitive interviews, and pilot testing to establish evidence of validity.

This tool can support research, needs assessment, and professional learning planning in elementary settings. Districts and schools can use it to better understand how teachers are approaching science instruction and classroom culture, and to inform efforts aimed at improving equity and engagement in science.

Organization

Topic
Student Well-Being
Collection(s): Science Instruction and Identity
Collection Category(ies)
Student Aspirations, Interest, and Identity
Tags
Science education

Content

Grades
Kindergarten,
1st Grade,
2nd Grade,
3rd Grade,
4th Grade,
5th Grade,
6th Grade
Languages
English
Respondent
Teacher

Administration Information

Length
76 items

Access and Use

Price

Free

Contact

Corrine Singleton: 
Email: corinne@solana-research.org


Clarissa Deverel-Rico: 
Email: Clarissa.Deverelrico@colorado.edu


William Penuel: 
Email: william.penuel@colorado.edu

Link
https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21905
Open Access
Yes
Use in Research

Maksimchuk, M. T. (2023). A Descriptive Case Study Investigating the Experience of Michigan High School Science Teachers Implementing the NGSS (Order No. 30492636). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2854278764). https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/descriptive-case-study-investigating-experience/docview/2854278764/se-2

Psychometrics (additional guidance)

Psychometric References

Singleton, C., Deverel-Rico, C., Penuel, W. R., Krumm, A. E., Allen, A.-R., & Pazera, C. (2024). The role of equitable classroom cultures for supporting interest in science. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 61(5), 998–1031. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21936 Grapin, S. E., Plumley, C., Banilower, E., Sterenberg Mahon, A. J., Craven, L., Malzahn, K., Pasley, J., Schwenger, A., Haas, A., & Lee, O. (2025). Development of a questionnaire on teachers' beliefs, preparedness, and instructional practices for teaching NGSS science with multilingual learners. Science Education, 109, 128–156. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21905

Item Type
Likert