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Creating Inclusive PreK–12 STEM Learning Environments

Brief CoverBroadening participation in PreK–12 STEM provides ALL students with STEM learning experiences that can prepare them for civic life and the workforce.

Author/Presenter

Malcom Butler

Cory Buxton

Odis Johnson Jr.

Leanne Ketterlin-Geller

Catherine McCulloch

Natalie Nielsen

Arthur Powell

Year
2018
Short Description

This brief offers insights from National Science Foundation-supported research for education leaders and policymakers who are broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM). Many of these insights confirm knowledge that has been reported in research literature; however, some offer a different perspective on familiar challenges.

The Epistemic Generativity of Using a Model of a Big Idea

Science instruction should involve learners in generating and warranting ideas, what we call epistemic generation. In modeling instruction, epistemic generation should be achieved by coordinating a model structure with the experienced world in reciprocal directions denoted as developing models and using models. In the former, a model structure is shaped from experience. In the latter, experience is shaped by a model structure.

Author/Presenter

Jonathan T. Shemwell

Daniel K. Capps

Year
2025
Short Description

Science instruction should involve learners in generating and warranting ideas, what we call epistemic generation. In modeling instruction, epistemic generation should be achieved by coordinating a model structure with the experienced world in reciprocal directions denoted as developing models and using models. In the former, a model structure is shaped from experience. In the latter, experience is shaped by a model structure. Focusing on this latter direction, the present study combats the perception that using models is not a generative practice but merely the dutiful application of others' ideas.

The Epistemic Generativity of Using a Model of a Big Idea

Science instruction should involve learners in generating and warranting ideas, what we call epistemic generation. In modeling instruction, epistemic generation should be achieved by coordinating a model structure with the experienced world in reciprocal directions denoted as developing models and using models. In the former, a model structure is shaped from experience. In the latter, experience is shaped by a model structure.

Author/Presenter

Jonathan T. Shemwell

Daniel K. Capps

Year
2025
Short Description

Science instruction should involve learners in generating and warranting ideas, what we call epistemic generation. In modeling instruction, epistemic generation should be achieved by coordinating a model structure with the experienced world in reciprocal directions denoted as developing models and using models. In the former, a model structure is shaped from experience. In the latter, experience is shaped by a model structure. Focusing on this latter direction, the present study combats the perception that using models is not a generative practice but merely the dutiful application of others' ideas.

Learning by Evaluating in Engineering Design Classrooms: A 5E Instructional Model Perspective from Teachers

This study explores how Learning by Evaluating (LbE) can be integrated into the 5E instructional model to support technology and engineering education. LbE, influenced by comparative judgment, engages students in analyzing peer work to foster reflection, design reasoning, and iterative thinking. Using qualitative content analysis of teacher interviews, this research investigates how LbE can contribute to each phase of the 5E model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

Author/Presenter

Wonki Lee

Nathan Mentzer

Andrew Jackson

Scott R. Bartholomew

Amiah Bailey Clevenger

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2025
Short Description

This study explores how Learning by Evaluating (LbE) can be integrated into the 5E instructional model to support technology and engineering education. LbE, influenced by comparative judgment, engages students in analyzing peer work to foster reflection, design reasoning, and iterative thinking. Using qualitative content analysis of teacher interviews, this research investigates how LbE can contribute to each phase of the 5E model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

Exploring the Opportunities for Reasoning and Proving in Mathematical Tasks Designed by Secondary Prospective Teachers

This article examines the opportunities for reasoning and proving (ORP) embedded in mathematical tasks designed by secondary prospective mathematics teachers (PSTs) in a capstone course, Mathematical Reasoning and Proving for Secondary Teachers. Drawing upon the commognitive framework, we establish a unified conceptualization for examining the mathematical reasoning processes and the logic-related constructs embedded in mathematical tasks.

Author/Presenter

Merav Weingarden

Orly Buchbinder

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2025
Short Description

This article examines the opportunities for reasoning and proving (ORP) embedded in mathematical tasks designed by secondary prospective mathematics teachers (PSTs) in a capstone course, Mathematical Reasoning and Proving for Secondary Teachers.

Inquiry-based Science Instruction for Students with Disabilities: A Systematic and Meta-analytic Review

Developing scientific literacy is necessary for students with disabilities (SWD) as it supports the ability to create solutions to real-world problems and understand current events, and it strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, and complex communication skills. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate extant literature on inquiry-based science interventions for SWD in service of developing scientific practices. We identified 26 studies in 22 articles and 3 dissertations for inclusion in this review.

Author/Presenter

Sarah Emily Wilson

William J. Therrien

Jenna Gersib

Megan Rojo

Victoria J. VanUitert

Gail Lovette

Maria A. Longhi

Sarah Benson

Sarah R. Powell

Christian T. Doabler

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2025
Short Description

Developing scientific literacy is necessary for students with disabilities (SWD) as it supports the ability to create solutions to real-world problems and understand current events, and it strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, and complex communication skills. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate extant literature on inquiry-based science interventions for SWD in service of developing scientific practices.

Designing for Systemic Coherence: A Framework for Supporting Instructional Improvement in Mathematics Education

Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education.

Author/Presenter

P. Holt Wilson

Michelle Stephan

Allison W. McCulloch

Catherine Schwartz

Katherine Mawhinney

Year
2025
Short Description

Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education.

Designing for Systemic Coherence: A Framework for Supporting Instructional Improvement in Mathematics Education

Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education.

Author/Presenter

P. Holt Wilson

Michelle Stephan

Allison W. McCulloch

Catherine Schwartz

Katherine Mawhinney

Year
2025
Short Description

Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education.

Designing for Systemic Coherence: A Framework for Supporting Instructional Improvement in Mathematics Education

Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education.

Author/Presenter

P. Holt Wilson

Michelle Stephan

Allison W. McCulloch

Catherine Schwartz

Katherine Mawhinney

Year
2025
Short Description

Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education.

Designing for Systemic Coherence: A Framework for Supporting Instructional Improvement in Mathematics Education

Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education.

Author/Presenter

P. Holt Wilson

Michelle Stephan

Allison W. McCulloch

Catherine Schwartz

Katherine Mawhinney

Year
2025
Short Description

Design research offers an approach for developing innovations in authentic educational settings and generating knowledge about learning and the designs that support it. Yet scaling and sustaining these innovations across contexts remains a persistent challenge. In this paper, we present a design framework developed by a nine-year partnership focused on building a statewide professional learning infrastructure for mathematics education.