ITEST Projects

Learning to create Intelligent Solutions with Machine Learning and Computer Vision: A Pathway to AI Careers for Diverse High School Students

2024 - 2027

AI is driving our nation’s economic development and reshaping future jobs and workforce. K-12 education is facing the challenge of developing students’ AI competency and preparing them for the workforce of the future. Students need opportunities to engage in learning AI concepts that are situated in

MyTurn: An Afterschool Social Robotics Program to Promote Interest in Computing Among Middle School Students

2024 - 2027

Computational thinking and robotics are increasingly essential to many scientific and technological careers of the future, yet youth often do not have opportunities to practice broad and diverse applications of computing beyond basic programming. This project will address this issue through

Learning to create Intelligent Solutions with Machine Learning and Computer Vision: A Pathway to AI Careers for Diverse High School Students

2024 - 2027

Exploring Theory and Design Principles (ETD): Auditing Machine Learning Applications for Algorithmic Justice with Computer Science High School Students and Teachers

2024 - 2027

There is an urgent need to develop and implement learning programs that can help teachers to prepare students to effectively interact with and critically evaluate machine learning applications. This project will work with a group of high school teachers across rural, suburban, and urban US

Fostering elementary students' computing career aspirations through a physiological computing curriculum

2024 - 2027

Every day, advanced applications of physiological computing such as wearable technologies (e.g., smartwatches) and brain-computer interfaces are reshaping our lives and pushing new scientific frontiers. Advancements in the human-technology frontier demand the readiness of next-generation scientists

Designing and Studying Collaborative Coding Experiences for Middle School Computer Science Education

2024 - 2027

Through a strategic partnership between Northwestern University and Evanston-Skokie District 65, this design and development project will investigate new approaches to student collaboration and problem-solving in computer science (CS) classrooms. A focus on creating collaborative coding experiences

Early childhood maker literacies: Fostering computational thinking among Navajo youth and educators

2024 - 2027

Research has demonstrated the value of introducing computing education in early childhood for its cost-effectiveness and longer-lasting impacts compared to later interventions. This Designing and Testing Innovations project addresses the need for diverse approaches to render computing accessible and

Fostering Mathematical Modeling Competencies through Collaborative Learning in a Large Language Model (LLM) Simulated Virtual Classroom

2024 - 2027

Mathematical modeling involves the cognitively demanding process of translating real-life situations into mathematical notations and is a fundamental skill for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Cultivating mathematical modeling through collaborative learning

Rural Energy Futures: Facilitating community understanding of energy transition opportunities through middle-school math skills development

2024 - 2027

As climate change pressures increasingly weigh on communities across the United States, national policy and investment have signaled a priority in developing a capable energy transition workforce. These initiatives are often focused in rural areas where available natural resources support energy

Engaging Refugee and Immigrant Youth in STEM through Culturally Relevant and Place-Based Digital Storytelling

2024 - 2026

This two-year Exploring Theory and Design Principles (ETD) project will engage culturally and linguistically diverse resettled refugee and immigrant middle school students in co-designing culturally relevant and place-based STEM learning experiences through immersive digital storytelling. During the

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