In the past decade AI use and modeling within the STEM fields has rapidly accelerated with examples of its use by scientists in medical research (Ghazalah et al, 2023), endangered wildlife conservation (Dilkina, 2022) and the development of hardware on space vehicles by NASA (Hill, 2024). The use in the STEM fields to predict, monitor and develop new technologies illuminates how its use in science often differs than other sectors of society that educators need to be aware of. Like its use in STEM fields this rapidly developing technology is being adopted widely across educational systems with studies illuminating key patterns opportunities and challenges in science education (Jin et al, 2023) that includes AI in Science Education (AISE) as to its use by K-12 students and educators within developmentally appropriate contexts. This poster presents one possible developmental model for science education that combines the use of AISE as it relates to children's study of natural phenomenon in nature (Lee & Grapin, 2022), experimental design, scientific testing and practical p
2024 AI in K-12 Science Education.pdf | |
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While many mobile applications have been developed for adult visitors to parks, museums, and nature centers, very few programs exist that are specifically designed to meet the needs of children and youth in informal science settings. During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the use of remote learning has become particularly important due to impacts on park and museum interpretation programs for schools and youths. Many national park programs have used educational technologies such as Zoom to provide outreach to facilitate learning with schools and other young visitors (De La Rosa, 2020, sec. 22). However, there is a need to provide remote educational enrichment and learning to young visitors at sites within museum and outdoor setting as well through the use of mobile technologies and educational apps. The purpose of this research poster is to present a conceptual model the researchers designed for m-STEM that young people (ages 8-12) wanting to learn more about desert plants, animals and geology can use in local desert settings and other natural environments. In addition to describing how the Swift App was created, an analysis of the design strengths and limitations including possible future use of educational apps similar to the Desert App the researchers designed for this project.
2023 Mobile Learning App - Desert Adventures.pdf | |
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Nathan Reid, Savannah Snyder, Hanna Bvarben, Anna Folkman, Rylynn Peters, Wendy Soltelo, Karen Salvador & Devon Poll
While many elementary students across Canada and the United States study objects in the night sky such planets, moons, and asteroids that are largely invisible without the aid of a telescope, the same cannot be said for the microverse. In fact, while there are specific curriculum standards in many states, provinces and territories, STEM standards related to study and use of microscopes are quite rare before the fifth grade (Grade 5 in Canada). This poster describes the development of an experimental microscope lab and activities for students and families who participated in a STEM night at a local elementary school in Southwestern Utah. Key findings from this experimental program were shared with officials within district and state STEM education agencies for possible future expansion and inclusion of microscope activities, lessons and educational standards for elementary students in Utah.
Microverse & Microscope Activities in Elementary Classrooms.pdf | |
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Wendy Sotelo, Karen Salvador, Khine Naing, Laiba Ali & Shakhnoza Rakhimova
Family involvement in both STEM and STEAM programs is one important indicator of student interest and success in many STEM Fields. After school STEM activities, science fairs, and other STEM/STEAM events play important roles in how schools engage with students and their families in STEM education (Hunt, 2014). In this educational poster, four international and one American students participated in a primary STEM program for Grades K-5 at an elementary school in Southwest Utah and analyzed how STEM programs differ between countries. This poster concludes with ideas on supporting family engagement in diverse schools within an international context. Download PDF below.
2022 STEM in International Contexts.pdf | |
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