Adding Sound to Graphs of Data That Change Over Time: A Promising Tool

Publications
Learning to construct and make sense of time-series graphs is a key practice in middle school science. We describe a new, free educational tool called “Sonify” that enables students to extend their use of the Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP) so that they can listen to graphs of scientific phenomena that change over time while they simultaneously examine these graphs visually. We report on how listening to graphs helps students attend to key elements, including slope, and how listening might help differentiate instruction. Sonify has special appeal to students who value learning
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Scientific Sensemaking: Designing Solutions for Puffin Restoration

Publications

Scientific sensemaking is described in the context of studying a three-week, sixth-grade unit on the ecology and restoration of puffins living off the coast of Maine. Students engaged with a scientific adventure story, observed local bird species, used AI and webcam-facilitated tools, designed puffin burrows, and explored data sets about puffins. Students’ ideas were elicited through discussion of the challenges faced by scientists who restored the puffins; sharing observations of chick-rearing behaviors from a webcam; critiquing and revising classmates’ burrow designs; writing about bird

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The Fish Weir: A Culturally Relevant STEM Activity

Publications

Curriculum and instructional strategies that are personally meaningful are key to engaging students from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.A “one size fits all” approach to curriculum development does not always translate to accessible education for many students, particularly in science,technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Meaningful and relevant activities that demonstrate a direct application of STEM to the lives of students or their communities can increase engagement in STEM. Specifically, students are more likely to relate to instructional activitiesthat draw

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