Resources included in these libraries were submitted by ITEST projects or STELAR and are relevant to the work of the NSF ITEST Program. PDFs and/or URLs to the original resource are included in 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. Permission for use must be requested through the publisher or author listed in each entry.
Genome Annotation Project Educational Resources
Curricular MaterialsThese files contain background information relevant to the genome annotation project as well as detailed instructions for each module (updated March 2, 2015).
Dialogues with Gensler: Proactive Lifelong Learning
PublicationLifelong learning is a beautiful phrase, full of ambition while remaining conveniently vague. Everyone claims they’re a lifelong learner. But what does that mean, and what does it look like in practice?The second event in a three-part Dialogues with Gensler series—held March 26, 2015 in Chicago—explores what a proactive approach to lifelong learning might look like in both the workplace and in academia. How do we challenge traditional paths to educational success? And how can we promote spaces in our everyday lives that foster collaboration, discovery, and professional development?New
The CryptoClub Cipher Handbook and CryptoClub Leader Manual
PublicationThe CryptoClub Cipher Handbook is recommended for use in informal learning environments such as afterschool and enrichment programs. It teaches cryptography as an application of mathematics topics from the middle-grade curriculum. It covers six ciphers: Caesar, additive, keyword, multiplicative, affine, and Vigenère. The mathematics involved includes negative numbers, decimals, percents, prime numbers, common factors, inverses, methods for solving linear equations, division with remainder, and pattern recognition. Overarching themes throughout the book are problem solving and reasoning. The
Vocational Identity Status Assessment
InstrumentsThis study reports the development and evaluation of the Vocational Identity Status Assessment (VISA), which is derived from established conceptual models and includes career exploration, commitment, and reconsideration dimensions.
Improving STEM Ed through Sleep
PublicationA multidisciplinary project from the University of Arizona aims to encourage elementary students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by involving them in research involving their own sleep patterns.
Science Learning Activation Survey
InstrumentsDesigned to be used with 10-14 year olds, the Measuring Activation (MA) instrument was written for use with 10-14 year-old respondents to assess an individual across each of the four dimensions of science learning activation (Fascination, Values, Competency Belief, Scientific Sensemaking). The construct is conceived as semi-malleable and therefore is amenable to intervention. However, we expect that changes in scale scores to only be present for interventions that are at least several days or months in duration, not single hour-long experiences. The survey can be used in longitudinal contexts
'Z-Factor' to Explore Sleep, Learning Link
PublicationIn middle school, children either develop an affinity for math and science or begin believing they do not possess the mental agility necessary to succeed in subjects such as algebra and geometry.Those subjects are important early entry points if youth are to eventually become nurses, physicians, software developers, engineers, business intelligence analysts and other high-in-demand specialists.A University of Arizona team is working to circumvent that lost interest, targeting students before they even reach middle school — and involving their families — while also addressing another pervasive
PHS teacher picked for year-long marine technology program
PublicationArticle on marine technology program.
Student Interest in Technology & Science (SITS)
InstrumentsThe 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.
GLOBE and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
PublicationTo support U.S. schools, districts, and states in the adoption of the new national science standards, the GLOBE U.S. Partner Community developed "A Guide to Connections between The GLOBE Program and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)" through the support of a grant from the National Science Foundation. This guide connects GLOBE protocols and resources to the NGSS Framework and can be used as a resource for digital curriculum platforms.