Electronic Teacher Guide: Its Development and Use in Supporting Educative Curricula
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Technology
Multiple Instrumental Case Studies of Inclusive STEM-Focused High Schools: Opportunity Structures for Preparation and Inspiration (OSPrl)
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Activate Computational Thinking (ACT)
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Using Immersive Virtual Worlds to Support Learning of Ecosystems Science and Complex Causality
Day
Wed
This session seeks feedback on hands-on experiences for learning causal dynamics through collaborative inquiry activities in an immersive virtual ecosystem, including exploring potential opportunities for expanding the curriculum.
Date/Time
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2014 Session Types
Feedback Session (Work in Post-development)
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Session Materials
EcoMUVE (ecomuve.gse.harvard.edu) is a middle school science curriculum in which students explore an immersive virtual ecosystem and learn its causal dynamics through collaborative inquiry activities. In one experience, students explore a virtual pond and its biodiversity, traveling in time to see changes over the course of a virtual summer. They discover a fish kill and are tasked with figuring out why it happened. In another experience, students explore population dynamics and predator-prey relationships over 50 years in a virtual forest.
Navigating to NGSS Success: Identifying a Research Agenda
Day
Wed
Leaders of three DR K-12 projects identify successful instructional strategies for using technology-enhanced curriculum materials, games, and models to achieve the NGSS practices.
Date/Time
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2014 Session Types
Collaborative Panel Session
Session Materials
The media, the public, and, indeed, many teachers have significantly criticized the introduction of the Common Core, citing concerns such as that it overcomplicates simple topics, diminishes innovation, and ignores equity issues. Following the recent introduction of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), we need compelling examples and powerful research to prevent premature criticism and ensure successful implementation.
Four Perspectives on the Nature and Effectiveness of STEM-focused High Schools
Day
Wed
Four projects investigating the characteristics and effectiveness of STEM-focused high schools present their contrasting methods and early findings.
Date/Time
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2014 Session Types
Collaborative Panel Session
Session Materials
This session focuses on methods and results from four current NSF-funded studies (three of which are funded under DR K–12). Two studies are attempting to capture the essential features of inclusive STEM-focused high schools and are developing data-based conceptual frameworks. One of these is conducting rich case studies of eight high-functioning, inclusive STEM high schools (ISHSs), drawn from seven different states, to build a common model for designing such schools.
A Review of DR K–12 English Language Learner Projects and Their Contribution to Research
Day
Wed
This session explores the role of funding programs in shaping research agendas. The springboard for discussion is a case study that investigated DR K–12 contribution to research in science and mathematics education for English language learners.
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2014 Session Types
Mini-plenary Presentation
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Session Materials
This session explores the role of funding programs in shaping research agendas through deliberate and targeted funding for priority areas. With the English language learner (ELL) population in U.S. schools on the rise and a growing demand for expansion and development of STEM education, intersecting research in these two fields represents an important effort to address pressing issues in U.S. schools and the STEM workforce.
A Grand Opportunity: Synergy and Interoperability Across Educational Games and Simulations
Day
Wed
Join this lively, interactive discussion examining the opportunities for coordinating work in games and simulations. Discuss and plan embedding, data capture/analytics, customization, and more!
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2014 Session Types
Collaborative Panel Session
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Session Materials
The advent of today’s widespread educational technology presents some new and exciting opportunities. Models and simulations can be easily embedded in other content. Research is exploring the use of simulations and games for novel assessment purposes. Technologies—especially HTML5 technologies—are making formerly unprecedented learning possible. This moment is unique, and as educational designers and researchers, we should be making the most of it and ensure that our work is aligned for maximum synergy.
Moving Toward Collective Impact on Climate and Global Change Education
Day
Tues
Participants discuss and identify what coordination is needed across DR K–12 efforts to enable sustained collective impact on the issues presented by climate, global, and environmental change.
Date/Time
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2014 Session Types
Collaborative Panel Session
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Session Materials
DR K–12 projects have been funded to conduct (1) activities and develop materials that are beneficial to the STEM education community (teachers and students) and (2) education research to ensure continuous improvement of these activities and materials.
Building Theory While Supporting Implementation of the NGSS
Day
Tues
Implementing the NGSS requires changes in teaching, assessments, and curriculum materials. In this session, participants explore theoretical questions for DR K–12 research that are raised by these NGSS implementation challenges.
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2014 Session Types
Mini-plenary Presentation
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Session Materials
The Next Generation Science Standards present important shifts for science teaching, assessment, and curriculum materials—focusing on core explanatory ideas, a central role for science and engineering practices, and coherence across time and science disciplines. These challenges for practice require new theoretical advances.