Resources

The world is changing rapidly and so too are the career opportunities available. How can we best support the career development of youth so that they can take full advantage of what the world has to offer? What influences career direction? What elements shaped our own career path?

This series of videos highlights contemporary stories of refugees who are considered role models for their tenacity and accomplishments. Each story sheds light on journeys to becoming a STEM professional in the United States. Episode 4 features two Congolese brothers who grew up in a refugee camp and are currently STEM college students.

CT test for elementary school students

Attitude towards CT (first section), Self-efficacy (second section), Learning experiences (third section). Learning experiences were asked only after the intervention

During the STEM Career Connections project we developed educational materials to support implementation of the STEMCC model within both formal and informal education settings, included here as the Resource Pack.

Astronomy has been a fascinating subject for the public for centuries and can stimulate deep questions not only on our own origin but subtly the richness of science and mathematics. It also is a science that is associated with engineering and technology to probe the universe.Typically, astronomical data is translated into visual representations for analysis and general public communication. Unfortunately, this practice is problematic for individuals with blindness or visual impairment (B/VI).

Astronomy has been a fascinating subject for the public for centuries and can stimulate deep questions not only on our own origin but subtly the richness of science and mathematics. It also is a science that is associated with engineering and technology to probe the universe.Typically, astronomical data is translated into visual representations for analysis and general public communication. Unfortunately, this practice is problematic for individuals with blindness or visual impairment (B/VI).

Astronomy has been a fascinating subject for the public for centuries and can stimulate deep questions not only on our own origin but subtly the richness of science and mathematics. It also is a science that is associated with engineering and technology to probe the universe.Typically, astronomical data is translated into visual representations for analysis and general public communication. Unfortunately, this practice is problematic for individuals with blindness or visual impairment (B/VI).

Astronomy has been a fascinating subject for the public for centuries and can stimulate deep questions not only on our own origin but subtly the richness of science and mathematics. It also is a science that is associated with engineering and technology to probe the universe.Typically, astronomical data is translated into visual representations for analysis and general public communication. Unfortunately, this practice is problematic for individuals with blindness or visual impairment (B/VI).

Geospatial Inquiry is an educational framework that offers students an opportunity to engage with, and become curious about, geospatial data for a defined purpose. The authors define Geospatial Inquiry as: "Asking and answering a question through the analysis and communication of data that is linked to a geographic location on, above, or near Earth." (Rubino-Hare et al. 2017). Since Geospatial Inquiry is designed to evoke curiosity and engagement, students have multiple opportunities to seek information and explore ideas on how they see the world they live in.

Professional learning about an innovative teaching method is a demonstrated way to improve teacher practices, and ultimately impact student learning. One way to scale up professional learning is a facilitator development model, in which professional learning and development (PLD) designers prepare facilitators to understand the innovation and they in turn, teach teachers. To understand the effectiveness of this model, identifying how facilitators implement the model with teachers is critical.

Professional learning about an innovative teaching method is a demonstrated way to improve teacher practices, and ultimately impact student learning. One way to scale up professional learning is a facilitator development model, in which professional learning and development (PLD) designers prepare facilitators to understand the innovation and they in turn, teach teachers. To understand the effectiveness of this model, identifying how facilitators implement the model with teachers is critical.

The current study examined the effects of a nationally scaled up Professional Learning and Development (PLD) model on teachers’ classroom implementation of the Geospatial Inquiry instructional framework. Geospatial Inquiry is defined as: asking and answering a research question through the analysis and communication of data that is linked to a geographic location on, above, or near Earth. These data are often represented visually via maps and explored with geospatial technologies.

Advances in online geospatial technologies (GST) have expanded access to K-12 classrooms which has implications for the support teachers require to effectively integrate GSTs to promote learning. Previous studies have shown the impact of GST-integrated lessons on student engagement, spatial thinking skills, and/or content knowledge; however, most of these studies have been small in scope and scale and frequently focus on the affordances of the technology, without addressing the context of the implementation and student characteristics for whom GST is most impactful.

Advances in online geospatial technologies (GST) have expanded access to K-12 classrooms which has implications for the support teachers require to effectively integrate GSTs to promote learning. Previous studies have shown the impact of GST-integrated lessons on student engagement, spatial thinking skills, and/or content knowledge; however, most of these studies have been small in scope and scale and frequently focus on the affordances of the technology, without addressing the context of the implementation and student characteristics for whom GST is most impactful.

This 3D modeling project addresses the disconnect between science, design and technology, and how high school students can benefit from innovative learning experiences in plant and agriculture sciences that integrate these disciplines while gaining interest in and skills for future STEAM careers. Students use the software Tinkercad or Fusion 360 to create 3D models of species of research importance at the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, MO. Students work in collaborative teams made of self-identified scientists, technophiles, and artists.

Our work is situated in research on Computer Science (CS) learning in informal learning environments and literature on the factors that influence girls to enter CS. In this article, we outline design choices around the creation of a summer programming camp for middle school youth. In addition, we describe a near-peer mentoring model we used that was influenced by Bandura's self-efficacy theory.

On Thursday, April 15, 2021 STELAR hosted the third webinar in our Proposal Development Course series on Research & Evaluation. The webinar presented information about options for research and evaluation designs, and how evaluation provides ongoing feedback on your work as well as on the overall success of the project. 

On April 13, STELAR hosted part two of a webinar series showcasing three ITEST projects’ work on designing inclusive STEM learning environments and opportunities for students with disabilities in both formal and informal settings. 

On April 11, STELAR hosted part 1 of a two-part webinar series showcasing six ITEST projects work on designing inclusive STEM learning environments and opportunities for students with disabilities in both formal and informal settings.  

On April 11, STELAR hosted part 1 of a two-part webinar series showcasing six ITEST projects work on designing inclusive STEM learning environments and opportunities for students with disabilities in both formal and informal settings.  

CryptoComics is a culturally responsive cryptology and cybersecurity curriculum for 7-11 year old. children. An innovative blend of a comic book, technology-based and unplugged activities engages kids in making and breaking codes, symbolic systems awareness and cryptology careers.

CryptoComics is a culturally responsive cryptology and cybersecurity curriculum for 7-11 year old. children. An innovative blend of a comic book, technology-based and unplugged activities engages kids in making and breaking codes, symbolic systems awareness and cryptology careers.

CryptoComics is a culturally responsive cryptology and cybersecurity curriculum for 7-11 year old. children. An innovative blend of a comic book, technology-based and unplugged activities engages kids in making and breaking codes, symbolic systems awareness and cryptology careers.

On June 29, NSF program directors held the second of a series of webinars to present and answer questions about this DCL.   Featured the following NSF Programs:  

On June 29, NSF program directors held the second of a series of webinars to present and answer questions about this DCL.   Featured the following NSF Programs:  

On June 29, NSF program directors held the second of a series of webinars to present and answer questions about this DCL.   Featured the following NSF Programs:  

This framework identifies 10 foundational career competency areas correlated to characteristics of future work at the Human Technology Frontier and what thought leaders in the field believe successful workers in those environments need to know and be able to do. It is meant as a guide for teachers interested in helping their students develop the foundations of skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to be successful in life when they exit formal schooling. Many of the suggested competencies may already be included in the curriculum or pedagogy in K-8 classrooms.

This framework identifies 10 foundational career competency areas correlated to characteristics of future work at the Human Technology Frontier and what thought leaders in the field believe successful workers in those environments need to know and be able to do. It is meant as a guide for teachers interested in helping their students develop the foundations of skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to be successful in life when they exit formal schooling. Many of the suggested competencies may already be included in the curriculum or pedagogy in K-8 classrooms.

This article shares a mathematics discourse technique adapted from literacy instruction and designed to prepare students' engagement in a mathematics task by model mathematical thinking. The Math Think Aloud is used during the launch of a lesson to provide access to the mathematics and help students make sense of the task so they are able to work on the task and share their mathematical thinking. Successes, challenges, and tips for effective implementation are shared. 

In this paper, we engage in an analysis of professional development design, examining professional development activities and the sequencing of professional learning tasks. We use a theoretical framework typically used in pre-service teacher education to understand the design of one professional development program. Our overarching goal is to theorize about how to design professional development and sequence professional learning tasks for practicing teachers.

In this chapter, we use the Framework for Teaching Practice (Grossman, Compton, Igra, Ronfeldt, Shahan, & Williamson, 2009) as a conceptual tool for analyzing the design of professional development. Although initially developed to examine the education of prospective teachers, we contend that this framework is appropriate for analyzing and supporting the design of professional development. The framework consists of three elements: decompositions, representations, and approximations of practice.

Field experience is the culminating experience for pre-service teacher training. As COVID-19 closed schools across the country, pre-service teachers’ field experiences were disrupted. This case study examines how a student teacher, a team of mentor teachers, and a university supervisor at a regional public university adapted to remote learning.

Field experience is the culminating experience for pre-service teacher training. As COVID-19 closed schools across the country, pre-service teachers’ field experiences were disrupted. This case study examines how a student teacher, a team of mentor teachers, and a university supervisor at a regional public university adapted to remote learning.

On April 27, NSF program directors held the first of a series of webinars to present and answer questions about this DCL. This initial webinar featured the following presentations:

On April 27, NSF program directors held the first of a series of webinars to present and answer questions about this DCL. This initial webinar featured the following presentations:

On April 27, NSF program directors held the first of a series of webinars to present and answer questions about this DCL. This initial webinar featured the following presentations:

On Thursday, April 15, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the third webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Research & Evaluation. The webinar presented information about options for research and evaluation designs, and how evaluation provides ongoing feedback on your work as well as on the overall success of the project.

On Thursday, April 15, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the third webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Research & Evaluation. The webinar presented information about options for research and evaluation designs, and how evaluation provides ongoing feedback on your work as well as on the overall success of the project.

On Thursday, April 15, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the third webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Research & Evaluation. The webinar presented information about options for research and evaluation designs, and how evaluation provides ongoing feedback on your work as well as on the overall success of the project.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

On Thursday, March 18, 3:00 pm STELAR hosted the second webinar in our Proposal Development Course series: Writing a Compelling Project Description. The project description provides you with your one and only opportunity to convince the review panel and program officers that your proposal deserves to be funded. Project details need to be well thought out, technically accurate, and concisely articulated in order to present this information in a 15-page, single-spaced document.

This design-based research study examined the first two cycles of development, enactment, analysis, and redesign of the Power of Data (POD) Facilitation Academy. Professional Learning and Development (PLD) providers’ geospatial technology (GST) skills, understanding of programme principles, preparation, and stages of concern for implementing POD Teacher Workshops were investigated. The POD Team analysed previous POD PLD models.

This design-based research study examined the first two cycles of development, enactment, analysis, and redesign of the Power of Data (POD) Facilitation Academy. Professional Learning and Development (PLD) providers’ geospatial technology (GST) skills, understanding of programme principles, preparation, and stages of concern for implementing POD Teacher Workshops were investigated. The POD Team analysed previous POD PLD models.

The initiative called Integrating Science Into Afterschool: A Three-Dimensional Approach to Engaging Underserved Populations in Science set out to promote science learning in three out-ofschool settings (afterschool programs, home, and community), to promote rich and varied science experiences to underserved Philadelphia communities, and to assess the value of this model for the broader field of out-of-school time and informal learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The initiative called Integrating Science Into Afterschool: A Three-Dimensional Approach to Engaging Underserved Populations in Science set out to promote science learning in three out-ofschool settings (afterschool programs, home, and community), to promote rich and varied science experiences to underserved Philadelphia communities, and to assess the value of this model for the broader field of out-of-school time and informal learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The initiative called Integrating Science Into Afterschool: A Three-Dimensional Approach to Engaging Underserved Populations in Science set out to promote science learning in three out-ofschool settings (afterschool programs, home, and community), to promote rich and varied science experiences to underserved Philadelphia communities, and to assess the value of this model for the broader field of out-of-school time and informal learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In 2013 The Franklin Institute, a leading science museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a grant from the National Science Foundation (#1138911) to reach under-resourced urban communities by strengthening the capacity of afterschool centers to offer STEM programming.

STELAR hosted NSF Program Officer Robert Russell and Einstein Fellow Brenda Carpenter in the final webinar on the 2018 EAGER Maker Summit. The presentation provided an overview of NSF's commitment to making, reviewed key highlights from the December meeting, and provided a recap of the previous four webinars in our series.

In this webinar, learn about individual and group strategies that can help to support your work - current and future. Presenters will  highlight both Making Partnerships and Broadening Participation. Essential for most projects, strong partnerships are key to Making because of the scope of outcomes and the distributed expertise present across individuals. In addition to supporting these partnerships, NSF is committed to broadening the participation of those underrepresented in STEM.

Webinar 3 - Research & Evaluation During this webinar we will examine the challenges in designing assessments and measuring cognitive and non-cognitive learning outcomes in a maker-based project.   Presenters:  Jennifer Albert, Citadel Military College of South Carolina Cynthia Tananis, University of Pittsburgh David Reider, Education Design   Date: Tuesday, April 30 from 1-2 pm ET

This webinar will discuss how making looks like across different settings such as higher education, informal learning environments, and schools with high and low tech. The focus of the discussion will be pedagogical practices, practical challenges, and opportunities to broaden and sustain the participation of people with diverse backgrounds in Making. The presenters will highlight different aspect(s) of their projects relevant to the discussion.

Make the Force be With You: Workforce Development through Making Participants learned how their research in making is related to workforce development as a broader impact or as a direct intervention. This webinar examined how skills developed in making relate to imminent workforce needs. Presenters also discussed the need for longitudinal K-12 systemic preparation for STEM work and learning fields, and the connection between making and the future STEM workforce.  

Over the course of a week, your young engineers will be taking on the Drone Challenge. Engineers will work in teams of 4-5 to apply the Engineering Design Process (EDP) and the scientific concepts related to simple machines, force, energy and motion. Below you will find your week-at-a-glance, a materials list, and some background information that will help you prepare for the challenge topic area. Also included is a copy of the challenge letter as well as the end of week challenge expectations.

Over the course of a week, your young engineers can take on the Cyber Security Challenge. Engineers will work in teams of 4-5 to apply the Engineering Design Process (EDP) and the scientific concepts related to simple 4 machines, force, energy and motion. Below you will find your week -at-a-glance, a materials list, and some background information that will help you prepare for the challenge topic area. Also included is a copy of the challenge letter as well as the end of week challenge expectations.

High school capstone courses—culminating educational experiences for seniors as they conclude their formal high school education—have become increasingly popular across the nation, particularly in New England. The STEMStarter Capstone was designed to help Connecticut high schools meet new accreditation standards from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and graduation requirements that include a mastery-based learning project.

High school capstone courses—culminating educational experiences for seniors as they conclude their formal high school education—have become increasingly popular across the nation, particularly in New England. The STEMStarter Capstone was designed to help Connecticut high schools meet new accreditation standards from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and graduation requirements that include a mastery-based learning project.

This research report presents the results of a STEM summer program on robotics and game design. The program was part of a three-year study funded by the National Science Foundation. Children in grades four through six participated in a two-week summer camp in 2015 to learn STEM by engaging in LEGO® EV3 robotics and computer-based games using Scalable Game Design. Twenty-eight students participated in the study that took place in a small urban community in the Rocky Mountain West.

This research report presents the results of a STEM summer program on robotics and game design. The program was part of a three-year study funded by the National Science Foundation. Children in grades four through six participated in a two-week summer camp in 2015 to learn STEM by engaging in LEGO® EV3 robotics and computer-based games using Scalable Game Design. Twenty-eight students participated in the study that took place in a small urban community in the Rocky Mountain West.

This is the final video from the NSF EAGER Maker Summit. At the close of day two, each thematic group provided a report-out to an NSF panel featuring Evan Heit, the director of the Division of Research on Learning (DRL), and NSF Program Directors Ellen McCallie and Robert Russell.

As digital fabrication technology has become mainstream, the increased demand for 3D printed objects has created a new market for professional outsourcing. Given that most of this work does not require advanced training, and is an appropriate entry-level manufacturing job, there is an exciting opportunity to employ youth already skilled in "making" and interested in technology to do this work as an after-school job. The combination of this new technology and workforce calls for new workflows that streamline client-driven digital manufacturing.

In this paper, we describe a new approach for exploring individual participants’ engagement in youth maker activities. Participants were outfitted with wearable first person point-of-view still-image cameras and wrist-based electrodermal sensors. The researchers analyzed the recorded electrodermal data stream for surges in skin conductivity and compared them with the corresponding photographs based on their time-stamp. In following with prior work, these surges were interpreted as moments of engagement.

In this Research Work in Progress paper, we describe the methods chosen for a project exploring best practices of inclusion in maker spaces serving diverse populations. Maker spaces provide communities access to innovation tools in startup settings that are shaped by the participating members. In our study, these include not only hacker spaces that involve computing, electronic activities, and three-dimensional printing capabilities, but also sites focusing on traditional arts and crafts.

Makerspaces are situated in diverse settings and engage in differing projects. Consequently, it appears that there is variation in what activities are engaged in and how time is spent in makerspaces. To date, the time-use of these activities within makerspaces has yet to be explored. The present paper identifies seven primary activity categories and discusses how time is devoted to these activities across three maker camps.

We report on the development and implementation of biomakerlab, a wetlab starter kit for synthetic biology activities in K-12. In synthetic biology, participants make their own DNA—gene by gene—and then grow their designs into real applications by inserting them into microorganisms to develop different traits and characteristics provided by the genes. High school students worked with biomakerlab to make logo designs using microorganisms they manipulated to produce differently colored pigments.

A Maker is a modern-day tinkerer and hands-on builder of DIY artifacts. Makers create their inventions wholly out of their imaginations, with the support of a rich collaborative online and in-person community. This paper describes the results from a qualitative study of adult Makers and their characteristics of collaboration in the Maker community. Results indicate that Makers exhibit a mindset of Additive Innovation. This describes the open community of sharing and learning that is the Maker community. Connections between engineering and Making are also discussed.

Making is a recent educational phenomenon that is increasingly occurring in schools and informal learning spaces around the world. In this paper we explore data from maker educators about their experiences with failure. We surveyed maker educators about how they view failure happening with youth in their formal and informal programs and how they respond. The results reveal some concrete strategies that seem to show promise for helping educators increase the likelihood that failure experiences for youth can lead to gains in learning and persistence.

This article presents results from developing and applying an initial analytic frame for observing and explaining literacy practices in making activities. It describes literacy-related themes that emerged when the framework was applied. These themes are discussed within the making process of fabrication, one of a number of goal-directed stages of making. Findings indicate that literacy practices in fabrication are openly shared, networked, and often oriented toward interfacing between physical and digital worlds. Results come from interviews with 14 adult makers.

In September 2015, with support from the National Science Foundation (DRL-1514726), TERC and the Institute for Learning Innovation launched the Math in the Making project to engage the field in discussions about the relationships between mathematics and making and, in particular, to consider how integrating the two might both enrich making experiences and support mathematical learning and interest development for children and adults.

Digital literacies for disciplinary learning explores intersections of digital and disciplinary literacies across learning contexts such as community makerspaces and schools and examines learning across disciplines including the arts, engineering, science, social studies, language arts, and math. Columns will address work with both youth and adults, both in school and out of school. Digital enhancements will encourage interactivity with readers and will provoke questions, comments, and connections.

Research on productive failure has examined the dimensions which are most beneficial for students’ learning of well-defined canonical problems in math and science. But failure plays an equally important role in solving open-ended, or ill-defined, design problems that have become prominent in many STEM-oriented maker activities. In understanding the role of failure in openended design tasks, we draw on Kapur’s conceptualization of productive failure and connect it to research on the role of construction in learning.

Attending to issues of equity in making demands that we work closely with communities, focusing on what it is made, how it is made, for whom, and in what contexts. Rather than exploring making exclusively as a pathway to STEM learning, we examine how Indigenous youth learned about and documented community-based making using the Augmented Reality and Interactive Storytelling (ARIS) platform. Drawing on a range of qualitative data, we asked: (1) What did youth learn about makers, materials, and cultural meanings in their community?

This is a story about learning STEM content and practices while making objects. It is also a story about how that learning is contextualized in one young man’s disruption of racism simply by trying to learn how gears work. Our project, Investigating STEM Literacies in MakerSpaces (STEMLiMS), focuses on how adults and youth use representations to accomplish tasks in STEM disciplines in formal and informal making spaces (Tucker-Raymond, Gravel, Kohberger, & Browne, 2017).

Negative attitudes about mathematics and the poor performance of U.S. adults and students on measures of mathematical reasoning are well-documented problems that limit many people’s identities and career aspirations. At the same time, the last decade has seen a proliferation of out-of-school environments that foster making and tinkering activities. Enthusiastic participants in these activities are often engaging in mathematical reasoning without realizing it—and thus do not consider themselves competent mathematical thinkers.

A Supplement to the Common Guidelines for Education Research and Development

Many barriers exist to K–12 classroom teachers’ adoption and implementation of geospatial technologies with their students. To address this circumstance, we have developed and implemented a geospatial curriculum approach to promote teachers’ professional growth with curriculum-linked professional development (PD) to support the adoption of socio-environmental science investigations (SESI) in an urban school environment that includes reluctant learners.

This instrument collects data about the attitudes of students toward science, mathematics and technology, in particular robotics. It can be administered to youth aged 12-15 who participated in a 4-H project (informal learning environment) focused on robotics, GPS/GIS, and natural resource/precision agriculture concepts.    

This instrument collects data about the attitudes of students toward science, mathematics and technology, in particular robotics. It can be administered to youth aged 12-15 who participated in a 4-H project (informal learning environment) focused on robotics, GPS/GIS, and natural resource/precision agriculture concepts.    

Part of the Math Assessment Project has involved research into how the materials are used in classrooms, their effect on teaching practices, and how Professional Development can be used to support the goals of the Mathematics Assessment Project materials.

Part of the Math Assessment Project has involved research into how the materials are used in classrooms, their effect on teaching practices, and how Professional Development can be used to support the goals of the Mathematics Assessment Project materials.

Part of the Math Assessment Project has involved research into how the materials are used in classrooms, their effect on teaching practices, and how Professional Development can be used to support the goals of the Mathematics Assessment Project materials.

Part of the Math Assessment Project has involved research into how the materials are used in classrooms, their effect on teaching practices, and how Professional Development can be used to support the goals of the Mathematics Assessment Project materials.

These short films, created by middle school and high school students, are all finalists from the past Green Ninja Film Festivals.  

These short films, created by middle school and high school students, are all finalists from the past Green Ninja Film Festivals.  

The Green Ninja is a climate-action superhero who fights global warming by inspiring informed personal action. Join the Green Ninja and a vibrant cast of characters as they make the world a greener, more sustainable place to live.        

The Green Ninja is a climate-action superhero who fights global warming by inspiring informed personal action. Join the Green Ninja and a vibrant cast of characters as they make the world a greener, more sustainable place to live.        

The Philly Scientists project is dedicated to developing innovative science curriculum for in-school and out-of-school programs for middle school students in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone. The website contains insight on curriculum development and an example lesson.

The Philly Scientists project is dedicated to developing innovative science curriculum for in-school and out-of-school programs for middle school students in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone. The website contains insight on curriculum development and an example lesson.

The Philly Scientists project is dedicated to developing innovative science curriculum for in-school and out-of-school programs for middle school students in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone. The website contains insight on curriculum development and an example lesson.

The Philly Scientists project is dedicated to developing innovative science curriculum for in-school and out-of-school programs for middle school students in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone. The website contains insight on curriculum development and an example lesson.

This article examines cognitive essence of computational thinking (CT). It introduces a clear and universal definition and suggests that we teach children biological CT skills long before they need to learn electronic CT skills.

The CPS/ CWIC Employability Assessment (EA) is conducted twice a year in year in the first and third quarters. EA is an observed assessment of 16 core 21st century college and career skills. Employability Assessments measure behavioral skills required for college and career success. This CPS custom tool was created by the Chicago Workforce Investment Council after extensively researching industry, education and academic reports on career readiness. Assessment tool includes Online Assessment Scoring and Rubric.  

The CPS/ CWIC Employability Assessment (EA) is conducted twice a year in year in the first and third quarters. EA is an observed assessment of 16 core 21st century college and career skills. Employability Assessments measure behavioral skills required for college and career success. This CPS custom tool was created by the Chicago Workforce Investment Council after extensively researching industry, education and academic reports on career readiness. Assessment tool includes Online Assessment Scoring and Rubric.  

The dramatic decline in youth interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) during adolescence, both in the USA and internationally, has been a phenomenon of societal concern for several decades. The Synergies project was launched to help deal with this issue. In this paper, we report findings from the first two years of our longitudinal survey research.

Utilizing a case study research design, the factors that influence teacher learning and change, as well as the processes by which secondary STEM teachers internalize professional development (PD) content, are explored. The authors argue that conceptualizations of teacher learning often do not adequately account for teacher subjectivity and the role of exogenous variables in teacher development.

Understanding the features of science learning experiences that organize and motivate children at early ages can help educators and researchers findways to ignite interest to support future passion and learning in the sciences at a time when children’s motivation is declining. Using a sample of 252 fifth- and sixth-grade students, we systematically explore differences in children’s motivations toward science experiences across context (formal, informal, neutral), manner of interaction (consuming new knowledge, analyzing, action), and topic (e.g., biology, earth science, physics).

Understanding the features of science learning experiences that organize and motivate children at early ages can help educators and researchers findways to ignite interest to support future passion and learning in the sciences at a time when children’s motivation is declining. Using a sample of 252 fifth- and sixth-grade students, we systematically explore differences in children’s motivations toward science experiences across context (formal, informal, neutral), manner of interaction (consuming new knowledge, analyzing, action), and topic (e.g., biology, earth science, physics).

Understanding the features of science learning experiences that organize and motivate children at early ages can help educators and researchers findways to ignite interest to support future passion and learning in the sciences at a time when children’s motivation is declining. Using a sample of 252 fifth- and sixth-grade students, we systematically explore differences in children’s motivations toward science experiences across context (formal, informal, neutral), manner of interaction (consuming new knowledge, analyzing, action), and topic (e.g., biology, earth science, physics).

Background

Background

The purpose of the present research was to develop and validate a situational (or state) measure of motivation, the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS). The SIMS is designed to assess the constructs of intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, external regulation, and amotivation (E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan, 1985, 1991) in field and laboratory settings. Five studies were conducted to develop and validate the SIMS. Overall, results show that the SIMS is composed of 4 internally consistent factors.

This work in progress describes the development of an instrument to measure the entrepreneurial mindset of engineering students.

This work in progress describes the development of an instrument to measure the entrepreneurial mindset of engineering students.

Research suggests that an ecologically informed sense of place, including strong place attachment and ecological place meaning, contributes to pro-environmental behaviors. Yet it is unclear whether an intervention such as environmental education can intentionally influence sense of place, especially in cities. To investigate the impact of urban environmental education programs on sense of place, we used pre/post surveys of youth in 5-week environmental and non-environmental summer youth programs in the Bronx, New York City, in 2010.

Research suggests that an ecologically informed sense of place, including strong place attachment and ecological place meaning, contributes to pro-environmental behaviors. Yet it is unclear whether an intervention such as environmental education can intentionally influence sense of place, especially in cities. To investigate the impact of urban environmental education programs on sense of place, we used pre/post surveys of youth in 5-week environmental and non-environmental summer youth programs in the Bronx, New York City, in 2010.

Research suggests that an ecologically informed sense of place, including strong place attachment and ecological place meaning, contributes to pro-environmental behaviors. Yet it is unclear whether an intervention such as environmental education can intentionally influence sense of place, especially in cities. To investigate the impact of urban environmental education programs on sense of place, we used pre/post surveys of youth in 5-week environmental and non-environmental summer youth programs in the Bronx, New York City, in 2010.

This scale measures students' views about the nature of knowledge and learning in the physical sciences along five non-orthogonal dimensions (structure of scientific knowledge, nature of knowing and learning, real-life applicability, evolving knowledge, & source of ability to learn.

This scale measures students' views about the nature of knowledge and learning in the physical sciences along five non-orthogonal dimensions (structure of scientific knowledge, nature of knowing and learning, real-life applicability, evolving knowledge, & source of ability to learn.

This study investigated the prevalence of transformative experiences, antecedents of transformative experience, and the relation between transformative experience and deep‐level learning (conceptual change and transfer) for high school biology students (N = 166).

This study investigated the prevalence of transformative experiences, antecedents of transformative experience, and the relation between transformative experience and deep‐level learning (conceptual change and transfer) for high school biology students (N = 166).

This study investigated the prevalence of transformative experiences, antecedents of transformative experience, and the relation between transformative experience and deep‐level learning (conceptual change and transfer) for high school biology students (N = 166).

This study presents the systematic development, validation, and use of a new instrument for measuring student interest in science and technology. The Student Interest in Technology and Science (SITS) survey is composed of 5 sub-sections assessing the following dimensions: interest in learning science, using technology to learn science, science careers, technology careers, and attitudes toward biotechnology. Our development process included review of existing instrumentation, pilot testing, and expert panel review.

This study presents the systematic development, validation, and use of a new instrument for measuring student interest in science and technology. The Student Interest in Technology and Science (SITS) survey is composed of 5 sub-sections assessing the following dimensions: interest in learning science, using technology to learn science, science careers, technology careers, and attitudes toward biotechnology. Our development process included review of existing instrumentation, pilot testing, and expert panel review.

Teaching and learning about geospatial aspects of energy resource issues requires that science teachers apply effective science pedagogical approaches to implement geospatial technologies into classroom instruction. To address this need, we designed educative curriculum materials as an integral part of a comprehensive middle school energy resources science curriculum. We examined teachers’ perceived impact of the curriculum materials to support their pedagogical content knowledge related to teaching science with geospatial technologies.

Teaching and learning about geospatial aspects of energy resource issues requires that science teachers apply effective science pedagogical approaches to implement geospatial technologies into classroom instruction. To address this need, we designed educative curriculum materials as an integral part of a comprehensive middle school energy resources science curriculum. We examined teachers’ perceived impact of the curriculum materials to support their pedagogical content knowledge related to teaching science with geospatial technologies.

Teaching and learning about geospatial aspects of energy resource issues requires that science teachers apply effective science pedagogical approaches to implement geospatial technologies into classroom instruction. To address this need, we designed educative curriculum materials as an integral part of a comprehensive middle school energy resources science curriculum. We examined teachers’ perceived impact of the curriculum materials to support their pedagogical content knowledge related to teaching science with geospatial technologies.

Computational thinking (CT) is broadly defined as the mental activity for abstracting problems and formulating solutions that can be automated. In an increasingly information-based society, CT is becoming an essential skill for everyone. To ensure that students develop this ability at the K-12 level, it is important to provide teachers with an adequate knowledge about CT and how to incorporate it into their teaching.

Computational thinking (CT) is broadly defined as the mental activity for abstracting problems and formulating solutions that can be automated. In an increasingly information-based society, CT is becoming an essential skill for everyone. To ensure that students develop this ability at the K-12 level, it is important to provide teachers with an adequate knowledge about CT and how to incorporate it into their teaching.

Computational thinking (CT) is broadly defined as the mental activity for abstracting problems and formulating solutions that can be automated. In an increasingly information-based society, CT is becoming an essential skill for everyone. To ensure that students develop this ability at the K-12 level, it is important to provide teachers with an adequate knowledge about CT and how to incorporate it into their teaching.

Computational thinking (CT) is broadly defined as the mental activity for abstracting problems and formulating solutions that can be automated. In an increasingly information-based society, CT is becoming an essential skill for everyone. To ensure that students develop this ability at the K-12 level, it is important to provide teachers with an adequate knowledge about CT and how to incorporate it into their teaching.

Guided by the theoretical and empirical research on self-efficacy and outcome expectancy beliefs, and the Culturally Responsive Teaching Competencies [Siwatu, K.O.

This paper reports the results of an ongoing study of changes in teacher efficacy from entry into a preparation program through the first year of actual teaching. Multiple quantitative assessments of efficacy were used including items developed for the RAND studies, Gibson and Dembo’s Teacher Efficacy Scale, Bandura’s Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale, and an instrument designed to reflect the specific context and goals of the preparation program studied.  

The purpose of this study was to examine the development of the Engineering Identity Development Scale (EIDS), an instrument designed to assess elementary school students' identity development in engineering. This study describes a three-phase approach to item construction, administration, and the gathering reliable and valid evidence for scores on the EIDS. 

The purpose of this study was to examine the development of the Engineering Identity Development Scale (EIDS), an instrument designed to assess elementary school students' identity development in engineering. This study describes a three-phase approach to item construction, administration, and the gathering reliable and valid evidence for scores on the EIDS. 

This case study described teachers with varying technology skills who were implementing the use of geospatial technology (GST) within project-based instruction (PBI) at varying grade levels and contexts 1 to 2 years following professional development. The sample consisted of 10 fifth- to ninth-grade teachers. Data sources included artifacts, observations, interviews, and a GST performance assessment and were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Teachers’ teaching actions, beliefs, context, and technology skills were categorized.

This case study described teachers with varying technology skills who were implementing the use of geospatial technology (GST) within project-based instruction (PBI) at varying grade levels and contexts 1 to 2 years following professional development. The sample consisted of 10 fifth- to ninth-grade teachers. Data sources included artifacts, observations, interviews, and a GST performance assessment and were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Teachers’ teaching actions, beliefs, context, and technology skills were categorized.

This case study described teachers with varying technology skills who were implementing the use of geospatial technology (GST) within project-based instruction (PBI) at varying grade levels and contexts 1 to 2 years following professional development. The sample consisted of 10 fifth- to ninth-grade teachers. Data sources included artifacts, observations, interviews, and a GST performance assessment and were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Teachers’ teaching actions, beliefs, context, and technology skills were categorized.

This video highlghts the iDigFossils project that is designed for teachers and students to use 3-D printers and scanners in order to create fossils. 

This video highlghts the iDigFossils project that is designed for teachers and students to use 3-D printers and scanners in order to create fossils. 

This video highlghts the iDigFossils project that is designed for teachers and students to use 3-D printers and scanners in order to create fossils. 

This video highlghts the iDigFossils project that is designed for teachers and students to use 3-D printers and scanners in order to create fossils. 

This video highlghts the iDigFossils project that is designed for teachers and students to use 3-D printers and scanners in order to create fossils. 

This video highlghts the iDigFossils project that is designed for teachers and students to use 3-D printers and scanners in order to create fossils. 

There is growing concern in the United States about the lack of interest and aptitude in science, math and, in particular, technology and engineering disciplines. Certainly one reason for this could be the lack of true engineering experiences available to students when they are in junior high and high school. This is in part due to the fact that while most teachers are well versed in math and science through their formal education, very few have experience and/or educational backgrounds in engineering and technology.

There is growing concern in the United States about the lack of interest and aptitude in science, math and, in particular, technology and engineering disciplines. Certainly one reason for this could be the lack of true engineering experiences available to students when they are in junior high and high school. This is in part due to the fact that while most teachers are well versed in math and science through their formal education, very few have experience and/or educational backgrounds in engineering and technology.

There is growing concern in the United States about the lack of interest and aptitude in science, math and, in particular, technology and engineering disciplines. Certainly one reason for this could be the lack of true engineering experiences available to students when they are in junior high and high school. This is in part due to the fact that while most teachers are well versed in math and science through their formal education, very few have experience and/or educational backgrounds in engineering and technology.

There is growing concern in the United States about the lack of interest and aptitude in science, math and, in particular, technology and engineering disciplines. Certainly one reason for this could be the lack of true engineering experiences available to students when they are in junior high and high school. This is in part due to the fact that while most teachers are well versed in math and science through their formal education, very few have experience and/or educational backgrounds in engineering and technology.

There is growing concern in the United States about the lack of interest and aptitude in science, math and, in particular, technology and engineering disciplines. Certainly one reason for this could be the lack of true engineering experiences available to students when they are in junior high and high school. This is in part due to the fact that while most teachers are well versed in math and science through their formal education, very few have experience and/or educational backgrounds in engineering and technology.

Fossils and the science of paleontology provide a charismatic gateway to integrate STEM teaching and learning. With the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), as well as the exponentially increasing use of three-dimensional (3-D) printing and scanning technology, it is a particularly opportune time to integrate a wider variety of fossils and paleontology into K–12 curricula.

Fossils and the science of paleontology provide a charismatic gateway to integrate STEM teaching and learning. With the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), as well as the exponentially increasing use of three-dimensional (3-D) printing and scanning technology, it is a particularly opportune time to integrate a wider variety of fossils and paleontology into K–12 curricula.

MIT App Inventor has enabled middle school students to learn computing while creating their own apps-including apps that serve community needs. However, few resources exist for building apps that gather and share data. There is a need for new tools and instructional materials for students to build data-enbaled, community-focused apps. We developed an extension for App Inventor, called AppleVis, which allows app-makers to publish and retrieve data from our existing web-based collaborative data visualization platform. 

MIT App Inventor has enabled middle school students to learn computing while creating their own apps-including apps that serve community needs. However, few resources exist for building apps that gather and share data. There is a need for new tools and instructional materials for students to build data-enbaled, community-focused apps. We developed an extension for App Inventor, called AppleVis, which allows app-makers to publish and retrieve data from our existing web-based collaborative data visualization platform. 

MIT App Inventor has enabled middle school students to learn computing while creating their own apps-including apps that serve community needs. However, few resources exist for building apps that gather and share data. There is a need for new tools and instructional materials for students to build data-enbaled, community-focused apps. We developed an extension for App Inventor, called AppleVis, which allows app-makers to publish and retrieve data from our existing web-based collaborative data visualization platform. 

MIT App Inventor has enabled middle school students to learn computing while creating their own apps-including apps that serve community needs. However, few resources exist for building apps that gather and share data. There is a need for new tools and instructional materials for students to build data-enbaled, community-focused apps. We developed an extension for App Inventor, called AppleVis, which allows app-makers to publish and retrieve data from our existing web-based collaborative data visualization platform. 

How algebraic reasoning can be fostered within the important big idea of equivalence is demonstrated using hanging mobiles. A concrete-representational-abstract approach is used, without any formal algebraic symbolism, to elicit algebraic reasoning and higher-order thinking.

How algebraic reasoning can be fostered within the important big idea of equivalence is demonstrated using hanging mobiles. A concrete-representational-abstract approach is used, without any formal algebraic symbolism, to elicit algebraic reasoning and higher-order thinking.

The challenges of addressing increasing calls for the inc