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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C-STEM Curricula
Curricular MaterialsThrough their focus on integrating computing and robotics into regular STEM classroom with hands-on project-based learning, the C-STEM Center, part of ITEST project Co-Robots for STEM Education in the 21st Century, has developed innovative teaching strategies, textbooks, and courseware.
GEAR-Tech-21 Curriculum
Curricular MaterialsGEAR-Tech-21, based on ITEST project National Robotics in 4-H: Workforce Skills for the 21st Century, teaches robotics, GPS, and GIS technologies to middle school youth through building and programming a robot, navigation, and mapmaking activities. The linked website provides step-by-step guides and resources and access to an innovative curriculum and educator’s guide for 300 instruction hours set over a two-year period. Additionally, those who sign up can gain access to GEAR-Tech-21 equipment rental.
NetSci High Resources
Curricular MaterialsNetSci High, also known as ITEST project Network Science for the Next Generation, shares its resources used as part of the project on its webpage. Resources include a "Rookie's Guide to Network Science," a number of interactive online visualizations, articles and publications, and NetLogo and Network Interactives downloads.
From Learning to Research (L2R) Teacher Developed Products
Curricular MaterialsAs part of ITEST project From Learning to Research (L2R), teachers from both cohorts one and two met to discuss needed resources for the classroom to aid with the development of locally-relevant climate research projects.
Middle Schoolers Out to Save the World (MSOSW) Curriculum
Curricular MaterialsThe Middle Schoolers Out to Save the World (MSOSW) curriculum uses data gathered by students to develop optimum scenarios for conserving energy and reducing the global production of greenhouse gases.
DIVE In!
Curricular MaterialsThe inspiration for d.loft STEM (also known as ITEST project Design Loft STEM Learning Program) is the "Design for the Other 90% Movement,” which consists of engineers, designers, scientists, technologists, architects, and mathematicians engaged in designing low-cost innovative solutions for large portion of the world’s population who do not have access to basic services and products. Design Thinking is an approach to learning that builds students' creative confidence. DIVE In! is a middle school curriculum that integrates STEM learning activities and the design thinking process. Inspired by
Waksman Student Scholars Program Resources
Curricular MaterialsThe Waksman Student Scholars Program (WSSP), also known as ITEST project Conducting Authentic Molecular Biology and Genomics Research in High Schools, provides opportunities for high school students and their teachers to conduct an authentic research project in molecular biology and bioinformatics and publish their findings. Resources used and developed as part of this project can be found by clicking on the link. On the WSSP site, one can find teacher and student notes, games, powerpoint files, problem sets and answer keys, videos, a DNA sequency translator, DNA apps, equipment and supply
Infusing Non-Traditional Engineering Projects into Traditional Classrooms: Where Do They Fit? How are They Assessed?
PublicationsThe pivotal 2009 National Academy of Engineering report on engineering in K-12 education states that the presence of engineering in pre-college education is an important phenomenon because of engineering’s impact on K-12 STEM education. The NAE report then explores a number of questions about the ways in which engineering is taught in K-12 classrooms, including issues such as the curricular and instructional resources used, interaction with other STEM subjects, and teacher preparation. This paper explores these and related questions surrounding the adoption of non-traditional engineering
Robots Underwater! Learning Science, Engineering and 21st Century Skills: The Evolution of Curricula, Professional Development and Research in Formal and Informal Contexts
PublicationsThe underwater environment presents novel challenges that can facilitate unique learning experiences for students engaged in robotics programs. Although the number of underwater educational robotics programs is small by comparison to other forms of K-12 robotics initiatives, several do exist, which have varying learning goals, implementation approaches, and tools. This chapter describes an underwater robotics program using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® components and related materials for middle and high school students. The program, known as WaterBotics™, has undergone an extensive, four-year research
Transforming a Middle and High School Robotics Curriculum
PublicationsThis paper will examine a robotics curriculum that is impacting educators and youth in both formal, middle and high school classrooms as well as in a variety of informal learning environments. We have made comparisons between formal and informal learning environments in an effort to understand the varying impacts of this novel program on student learning of science concepts, their skills and abilities in applying engineering design and problem-solving, and their awareness and interest in engineering careers and the individuals who pursue these careers. Data from teachers, informal educators