ITEST Resources

Learn about the many educators and young people who are using cutting-edge technology to support science learning.

This newsletter is designed to share the exciting work of teachers and students participating in ITEST (Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers) projects across the United States. Participating educators and young people work hand in hand with scientists and engineers on extended research projects that carry them beyond the classroom, using technology to explore topics ranging from biotechnology to environmental resource management. In this issue, we spotlight the work of five ITEST projects, highlight upcoming presentations and publications, and link to valuable resources

The Freedom Machines film, discussion guide, lesson plan, and resource guides are designed to dramatically broaden the concept of diversity for all students through telling the intimate stories of adults and children with disabilities who are using modern technologies to change their lives. Original Freedom Machines website

ITEST projects provide meaningful learning opportunities for youth and their teachers, with a focus on increasing the understanding about possible STEM careers. A subset of the projects that have shown success are being funded to scale up. Others are working to improve the knowledge base on effective STEM experiences by conducting research or convening researchers and practitioners. This document demonstrates the scheme behind the evaluation of the ITEST program as a whole. SRI International presentation, 2012.

This paper aims to share EDC’s learnings from developing and implementing this method including addressing issues of trust between youth and adult team members, appropriately acknowledging youth contributions, balancing the roles of mentors and adult design partners, and making dynamic curriculum adjustments based on participants learning styles and skill levels.

The STELAR Brochure is a two-page document that contains detailed information about STELAR's goals and the services STELAR provides to the ITEST community.

For at least the past 100 years science educators have been concerned about how best to encourage children’s natural interests in science; but the problem of waning interest through the middle school and high school years persists. Research on how best to maintain interest in what is now more broadly conceived of as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is more important than ever. These studies can be categorized as deductive research that begin with theories of action and lead to interventions to be tested; or inductive studies that begin with existing programs, and lead

Drawing on a multi-year research and development program, the authors report on the promise of integrating locally-focused student investigations with ubiquitous access to advanced technologies. By doing this, students are better able to see the relevance of STEM skills and knowledge as they work to improve their local communities. Specific program examples cited show the paradigm as it has been implemented with upper elementary and middle school students. Contrasting examples show challenges in implementation. A four-part framework of essential program elements is offered to guide further

In this white paper we describe youth engagement in cyber-rich science in a community setting, involving both knowledge/practice development and identity work through scientifically rigorous, culturally responsive, and generative activities.

In this white paper we describe a project underway at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education in which we are designing innovative technological environments that draw from theories of motivation to support and augment the engagement and motivation of students in Grades 5-8 mathematics.