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

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

The purpose of the 2024 Institute for Neurodivergent Students in Science and Technology (2024 INSIST) was to gather a diverse array of postsecondary neurodivergent STEM students from across the United States and its territories to work on two objectives: To elevate the voices of neurodivergent students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), providing space for students to share how postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators can help provide effective and equitable learning environments. To improve student knowledge and skills for self-advocacy, tapping into their

Co-design in action in the ITEST program This research brief from the STELAR Center at EDC highlights how NSF ITEST projects are utilizing co-design approaches in their research and development. In education, co-design is a highly facilitated, team-based process that actively involves diverse stakeholders in designing, prototyping, and evaluating educational innovations to address specific needs or goals (Penuel et al., 2007; Roschelle et al., 2006). To prepare this brief, we identified a set of conference papers and articles related to nine active or recently completed ITEST projects that

The attached ITEST Snapshot document provides an overview of the National Science Foundation's ITEST Program. The data for this report was derived from NSF's Award Search database, and project survey data collected by STELAR (the New Project Survey and Annual ITEST Survey).

Engineering touches every aspect of human life, from providing access to clean drinking water to 5G telecommunications and vaccine development. Yet few young people ever encounter the subject in school or graduate with the foundational skills and knowledge to pursue engineering studies and careers. Now more than ever, we must inspire and prepare our students to grow into the informed designers and innovators the world needs to solve the tough challenges facing us today and in the future. In short, engineering learning is essential for every child in every school, town, city, and county in the