Teacher Focus Group Data for Summer I 2026 S3 Camp

The Summer I 2026 Sustainable STEM by the Sea (S3) teacher focus group dataset was developed to document and better understand the experiences, perceptions, and learning outcomes of teacher participants involved in the S3 teacher professional development experience hosted by the Center for STEM Education. The dataset was collected to support research on place-based environmental and coastal STEM teacher self-efficacy, readiness, and barriers. Data collection occurred during the Summer I 2026 S3 camp session and professional development experience held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. All interviews were conducted on July 2, 2026. Participants included K-12 teachers who voluntarily participated in the focus group following informed consent procedures approved through the appropriate institutional review process. The focus group was conducted in person by a trained research team member in an individual format at the MSU Extension in Biloxi, MS, where the S3 camp and PD experience was held. The dataset consists primarily of qualitative interview data collected through focus group protocols designed to explore teacher experiences, perceptions of environmental place-based pedagogy and instructional strategies, perceived readiness, barriers to teaching, and reflections on camp activities. 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.