Camper Interview Data for Spring 2026 S3 Camp

The Spring 2026 Sustainable STEM by the Sea (S3) camper interview dataset was developed to document and better understand the experiences, perceptions, and learning outcomes of youth participants involved in the S3 informal STEM education program hosted by the Center for STEM Education at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus. The dataset was collected to support research on place-based environmental and coastal STEM education, climate and sustainability learning, student engagement with Gulf Coast ecosystems, and the development of environmental awareness and community resilience perspectives among upper elementary and middle school students participating in out-of-school learning experiences.

Data collection occurred during the Spring 2026 S3 camp sessions held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. All interviews were conducted on April 2, 2026. Participants included campers in grades 3–8 who voluntarily participated in interviews following parental consent and student assent procedures approved through the appropriate institutional review process. Interviews were conducted in person by a trained research team member in an individual format at the MSU Extension in Biloxi, MS, where the S3 camp was held.

The dataset consists primarily of qualitative interview data collected through semi-structured interview protocols designed to explore camper experiences, perceptions of STEM and environmental topics, sense of place, engagement with sustainability and coastal resilience concepts, and reflections on camp activities. Interview questions focused on participants’ experiences during field investigations, environmental monitoring activities, engineering and design challenges, interactions with peers and educators, and connections between camp activities and their local communities and environments.

Data were collected using Zoom as a recording device and transcribed in real time using the Zoom transcription feature for research and archival purposes. Transcriptions underwent researcher verification for accuracy. Associated metadata may include identification codes, grade level, interview date, interview location, and interviewer identifier. Personally identifiable information was removed or coded to protect participant confidentiality.

The dataset contains interview transcripts, interviewer notes, coding, and organizational files associated with qualitative data management, and related documentation necessary for the interpretation and reuse of the dataset. Data were generated as part of the broader S3 initiative, which emphasizes place-based, sustainability-focused STEM learning experiences connected to Gulf Coast ecosystems, environmental challenges, and community resilience. The dataset is intended to support future educational research, program evaluation, and scholarship related to informal STEM education, environmental literacy, climate education, and youth engagement in community-centered science learning contexts.