Welcome to the ITEST Resource Library
The curricula, instruments, and publications included in this library were submitted by ITEST projects and are relevant to the work of the NSF ITEST Program. Use the filters to the right to find relevant materials. A PDF and/or URL to the original resource are included within the resource description whenever possible. In some cases, full text publications are located behind publishers’ paywalls and a fee or membership to the third party site may be required for access.
Please note: permission for the use of instruments must be requested through the publisher or author listed in each entry, and cannot be granted by STELAR.
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Interest-driven STEM Learning among Youth through a Social Networking Site
PublicationsEngaging middle school youth in STEM curricula resulting in desired conceptual changes is challenging. Furthermore, social media are identified as platforms where youth naturally congregate for sustained interaction. Studio STEM was designed as an after school programme to engage learners (ages 11–15) in design-based science inquiry within a studio environment, enhanced by social media and digital tools. In the highlighted curriculum, Save the Penguins, youth performed scientific experiments and engineering practices to design an enclosure to protect penguin-shaped ice cubes from rising
Interest-Driven Learning Among Middle School Youth in an Out-of-School STEM Studio
PublicationsThe concept of connected learning proposes that youth leverage individual interest and social media to drive learning with an academic focus. To illustrate, we present in-depth case studies of Ryan and Sam, two middle-school-age youth, to document an out-of-school intervention intended to direct toward intentional learning in STEM that taps interest and motivation. The investigation focused on how Ryan and Sam interacted with the designed elements of Studio STEM and whether they became more engaged to gain deeper learning about science concepts related to energy sustainability. The
Carrollton High School Wins GRNMS Southeast Regional ROV Competition
PublicationsAn unknown shipwreck waited at the bottom of the Olympic-sized pool for teams to explore and identify in March at Gray’s Reef Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition. Engaging students and educators with technology and research methods employed by NOAA field scientists is the reason that National Marine Sanctuaries partner with the California based Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center. With annual pool missions that reflect the science of the Sanctuaries, MATE challenges student teams to design and build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and embark on a flight path to the
Future ROV Designers to be Found at the Center 2013 International Underwater ROV Competition
Publications2013 was the 12th year the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center at Monterey Peninsula College has held this competition. Their goal in doing so was to increase awareness of marine technical fields and careers. Their efforts connect students and educators with employers and working professionals. The ROV competition is a big event, but it is not all they do. Their workshops provide educators with resources and training to bring the world of marine technology, research, exploration and industry to their classrooms.
Computational Thinking Survey
InstrumentsA computational thinking survey was designed to assess K-12 education students’ attitudes toward computer science and their understanding of computational thinking before and after implemenation of a computational thinking (CT) module. The surveys consisted of sixteen multiple-choice questions on a Likert scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree and four open-ended questions. The link below and attachement provide the instrument.
Collective Self-Esteem Scale (CSES)
InstrumentsThe Collective Self-Esteem Scale assesses individual differences in collective, rather than personal, self-esteem, with four subscales (membership esteem, public collective self-esteem, private collective self-esteem, and importance to identity). The 16 items are answered on a 7-point Likert Scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 7 (Strongly Agree). The instrument with details regarding scale construction is attached. Authors provide instrument validity and/or reliability information.
Relevance of Science Education (ROSE) Questionnaire
InstrumentsThe Relevance of Science Education (ROSE) questionnaire was created as part of an international comparative project meant to shed light on affective factors of importance to the learning of science and technology.
Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Intentions
InstrumentsEntrepreneurial self-efficacy is measured by a 6-item self-assessment scale. The items on this scale represent competencies related to business/ entrepreneurial success, and were developed based on expert interviews with business leaders (Marlino & Wilson, 2003). Self-ratings in each area are summed and the overall mean used to create a composite entrepreneurship self-efficacy measure. Entrepreneurial intentions are measured by asking participants to rate their interest in starting/ owning their own business on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = definitely not interested, 5 =extremely interested)
Restoring Water, Culture, and Relationships: Using a Community Based Participatory Research Methodology for Engineering Education
PublicationsIn an effort to increase the number of American Indians in technical and leadership positions, local tribal communities are pursuing opportunities for their youth to connect with STEM education that is relevant to their community and honors the Tribe's values.
Robotics Camps, Clubs, and Competitions: Results from a U.S. Robotics Project
PublicationsFunded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has spent the last eight years developing and implementing a comprehensive educational robotics program for youth ages 9-14. The program is delivered in informal (out-of-school) learning environments through robotics camps, clubs, and competitions and has provided robotics experiences to over 5,000 youth and 400 educators.