Award Abstract # 0349630
SBIR Phase II: Artificial Intelligence Software for Student Assessment in Chemistry Education

NSF Org: TI
Translational Impacts
Recipient:
Initial Amendment Date: February 6, 2004
Latest Amendment Date: August 9, 2006
Award Number: 0349630
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Ian M. Bennett
TI
 Translational Impacts
TIP
 Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships
Start Date: February 1, 2004
End Date: January 31, 2007 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $500,000.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $770,000.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2004 = $500,000.00
FY 2006 = $270,000.00
History of Investigator:
  • Benny Johnson (Principal Investigator)
    johnson@quantumsimulations.com
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Quantum Simulations Incorporated
5275 SARDIS RD
MURRYSVILLE
PA  US  15668-9536
(724)733-8603
Sponsor Congressional District: 12
Primary Place of Performance: Quantum Simulations Incorporated
5275 SARDIS RD
MURRYSVILLE
PA  US  15668-9536
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
12
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI,
SBIR Phase II,
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIV,
Project & Program Evaluation
Primary Program Source: app-0106 
04000405DB NSF Education & Human Resource

app-0404 
Program Reference Code(s): 7218, 9177, 9178, SMET
Program Element Code(s): 166600, 537300, 718000, 726100
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.084

ABSTRACT

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project builds Phase I work on development of meaningful interactive tutoring and assessment capabilities for chemistry education software. Despite clearly articulated teacher and student demand for improvement, this area has been repeatedly identified as that where existing offerings are weakest. Quantum Simulations proposes a new and different approach, adapting and incorporating new concepts from artificial intelligence (AI). More than just assigning a grade, meaningful opportunities will be created for students to learn directly from the assessment itself. The proposed technology will benefit all students; however, it is specifically targeted to help those who have the greatest need--such as students of average or marginal performance and students from historically underserved groups-- by lowering barriers to accessing high-quality science instructional software. Quantum Simulations has partnered with members of the Department of Education's STAR Schools program to further these goals.

Quantum Simulations' customers include textbook publishers, software providers, hardware vendors and distance learning companies. A prominent textbook publisher, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, has entered into a long-term contract and has partnered with Quantum Simulations to commercialize this Phase II technology, resulting in rapid dissemination to an established end user base.

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