High

The math and science engagement scale: Development, validation, and psychometric properties

There is an urgent need to develop appropriate instruments to measure student engagement in math and science for the fields of research and practice. The present study developed and validated student- and teacher-report survey measures of student engagement in math and science. The measures are built around a multidimensional perspective of engagement by using a bifactor modeling approach. The sample was recruited from an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse middle and high school student population in the United States.

Author/Presenter

Ming-Te Wang

Jennifer A. Fredricks

Feifei Ye

Tara L. Hofkens

Jacqueline Schall Linn

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2016
Resource(s)

Use of Automated Scoring and Feedback in Online Interactive Earth Science Tasks

In formative assessment, constructed response questions are typically used for scientific argumentation, but students seldom receive timely feedback while answering these questions. The development of natural language processing (NLP) techniques makes it possible for the researchers using an automated scoring engine to provide real-time feedback to students. As is true for any new technology, it is still unclear how automated scoring and feedback may impact learning in scientific  argumentation.

Author/Presenter

Mengxiao Zhu

Ou Lydia Liu

Liyang Mao

Amy Pallant

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2016
Short Description

In this study, we analyze log data to examine the granularity of students’ interactions with automated scores and feedback and investigate the association between various students’ behaviors and their science performance

Challenges to Using the Regression Discontinuity Design in Educational Evaluations: Lessons from the Transition to Algebra Study

Interest in the regression discontinuity (RD) design as an alternative to randomized control trials (RCTs) has grown in recent years. There is little practical guidance, however, on conditions that would lead to a successful RD evaluation or the utility of studies with underpowered RD designs. This article describes the use of RD design to evaluate the impact of a supplemental algebra-readiness curriculum, Transition to Algebra, on students’ mathematics outcomes.

Author/Presenter

Josephine Louie

Christopher Rhoads

June Mark

Year
2016
Short Description

This article describes the use of RD design to evaluate the impact of a supplemental algebra-readiness curriculum, Transition to Algebra, on students’ mathematics outcomes.

STEM-focused high schools as a strategy for enhancing readiness for postsecondary STEM programs

The logic underlying inclusive STEM high schools (ISHSs) posits that requiring all students to take advanced college preparatory STEM courses while providing student-centered, reform-oriented instruction, ample student supports, and real-world STEM experiences and role models will prepare and inspire students admitted on the basis of STEM interest rather than prior achievement for postsecondary STEM. This study tests that logic model by comparing the high school experiences and achievement of students in ISHSs and comparison schools in North Carolina.

Author/Presenter

Barbara Means

Haiwen Wang

Viki Young

Vanessa L. Peters

Sharon J. Lynch

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2016
Short Description

This study tests that logic model by comparing the high school experiences and achievement of students in ISHSs and comparison schools in North Carolina.

Students making systems models: An accessible approach

Systems are a natural part of our world—from the smallest chemical system to the Earth's climate system. The Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards identify systems and system models as one of the crosscutting concepts, and developing and using models as one of the science and engineering practices. However, students do not naturally engage in systems thinking or in building models to make sense of phenomena, and there are few easily accessible tools designed specifically for students to construct models.

Author/Presenter

Daniel Damelin

Joseph S. Krajcik

Cynthia McIntyre

Tom Bielik

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2017
Short Description

This article describes a new open-source systems modeling tool called SageModeler and a curricular approach designed to support students and teachers in engaging in systems modeling.

Students making systems models: An accessible approach

Systems are a natural part of our world—from the smallest chemical system to the Earth's climate system. The Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards identify systems and system models as one of the crosscutting concepts, and developing and using models as one of the science and engineering practices. However, students do not naturally engage in systems thinking or in building models to make sense of phenomena, and there are few easily accessible tools designed specifically for students to construct models.

Author/Presenter

Daniel Damelin

Joseph S. Krajcik

Cynthia McIntyre

Tom Bielik

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2017
Short Description

This article describes a new open-source systems modeling tool called SageModeler and a curricular approach designed to support students and teachers in engaging in systems modeling.

Learning with Sprout Pro: Reimagine what you can make

Sprout Pro was developed as a new kind of all-in-one computer that enables students to make, design, and customize the world around them. This Sprout Pro in a classroom handbook is designed to give you a starting point for integrating Sprout Pro into your learning environment and igniting your students’ creativity. Through this handbook you will learn how Sprout Pro can enhance educational experiences; support the development of collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills; improve digital literacy; and empower the imagination of your students.

Author/Presenter

HP Development Company

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2016
Short Description

This Sprout Pro in a classroom handbook is designed to give you a starting point for integrating Sprout Pro into your learning environment and igniting your students’ creativity.

Can All Students Succeed at Science and Tech High Schools?

No longer only for the elite, a new generation of science high schools could help low-income and minority students get better jobs.

Lucadamo, K. (2016, September 6). Can All Students Succeed at Science and Tec High Schools? U.S News Report. Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-09-26/can-all-students-succeed….

Author/Presenter

Kathleen Lucadamo

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2016
Short Description

No longer only for the elite, a new generation of science high schools could help low-income and minority students get better jobs.

Tool trouble: Challenges with Using Self-Report Data to Evaluate Long-Term Chemistry Teacher Professional Development

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of different instruments, independently developed and traditionally used for measuring science teachers’ beliefs in short-term interventions, to longitudinally measure teachers’ changing beliefs.

Author/Presenter

Deborah G. Herrington

Ellen J. Yezierski

Senetta F. Bancroft

Year
2016
Short Description

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of different instruments, independently developed and traditionally used for measuring science teachers’ beliefs in short-term interventions, to longitudinally measure teachers’ changing beliefs.

Connecting the visible world with the invisible

Numerous research studies have illustrated the importance of connecting the visible (macroscopic) world of chemical phenomena to the invisible (particulate) world of atoms and molecules for conceptual understanding in chemistry (Birk & Yezierski, 2006; Gabel, Samuel, & Hunn, 1987; Johnstone, 1993; Nakhleh, 1992). This skill fits particularly well into the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) science practice of developing and using models, and a particle-level understanding of phenomena is a fundamental component of the redesigned AP Chemistry curriculum.

Author/Presenter

Thomas Pentecost

Sarah Weber

Deborah Herrington

Year
2016
Short Description

This report describes how particulate diagrams were incorporated in a high school chemistry course, provides a rubric developed for assessing students’ particulate drawings, and summarizes the impact of particulate-level instruction on student outcomes.