The goal of the session is to share challenges found in implementing longitudinal studies. The PIs of five projects, particularly focused on science and math, discuss challenges and responses to these challenges. Additionally, they share benefits of conducting such longitudinal research in STEM in schools.

The session brings together seven DR K–12 projects focused on game-based STEM learning and assessments of science content and inquiry. The panel provides an overview of what they know about how learning takes place in games and how each of these projects is crafting assessments in virtual and game-based environments. They focus on strategies for leveraging popular game mechanics with research from the learning sciences, psychology, science education, and computer science to support and assess players as they develop robust understandings of core scientific concepts and practices.

In this session, presenters describe a systematic review of research on the achievement outcomes of all types of approaches to teaching science in elementary schools. Presenters discuss the need for the review and will detail the research design. Study inclusion criteria included use of randomized or matched control groups, study duration of at least four weeks, and use of achievement measures independent of the experimental treatment. A total of 17 studies met these criteria.

A Crossroads session is grounded in the notion that conferences should offer opportunities to explore project challenges and examine viable responses. Presenters highlight an issue they are facing, offer strategies that might serve as solutions, and then open the discussion to others for their input. The session proceeds as an Incubator consisting of four stages:

(1) STATEMENT: 10 minutes as presenter describes the Vexation and Venture;

(2) CLARIFY: 5 minutes of Q&A so audience is clear about the situation;

GAMING ARCADE

Wednesday 3:45 – 4:30 PM in Washington A & B

Participating Projects

Project:: Expanding PhET Interactive Science Simulations to Grades 4-8: A Research-based Approach

Presenter: Kathy Perkins, University of Colorado, Boulder