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Award Abstract # 0929846
The POD Project: Harnessing the Power of Data

NSF Org: DRL
Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL)
Recipient: NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date: August 7, 2009
Latest Amendment Date: August 10, 2012
Award Number: 0929846
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Evan Heit
ekheit@nsf.gov
 (703)292-4305
DRL
 Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL)
EDU
 Directorate for STEM Education
Start Date: October 1, 2009
End Date: December 31, 2013 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $928,004.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $928,004.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2009 = $928,004.00
History of Investigator:
  • James Sample (Principal Investigator)
    James.Sample@nau.edu
  • Jacqueline Menasco (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Mark Manone (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Lori Rubino-Hare (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Jennifer Claesgens (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Northern Arizona University
601 S KNOLES DR RM 220
FLAGSTAFF
AZ  US  86011
(928)523-0886
Sponsor Congressional District: 02
Primary Place of Performance: Northern Arizona University
601 S KNOLES DR RM 220
FLAGSTAFF
AZ  US  86011
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
02
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): MXHAS3AKPRN1
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): ITEST-Inov Tech Exp Stu & Teac
Primary Program Source: 1300XXXXDB H-1B FUND, EDU, NSF
Program Reference Code(s): 7227, 9177, SMET
Program Element Code(s): 722700
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.076

ABSTRACT

DRL-0929846
Title: The PID Project: Harnessing the Power of Data
PO: Robert Gibbs
PI: James Sample
Program: Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers

This project increases (STEM) skills through problem-based learning modules in which 9-12 grade students solve problems through data collection and analysis utilizing geospatial technologies. Professional development is provided for 40 secondary teachers in Career and Technical Education (CTE), mathematics, and science. Participants and researchers then examine the effectiveness of the modules on the learning and science and technology efficacy of 800 secondary students.

The project has five objectives.
1. Increase higher-level technology integration, database use and management, spatial thinking, and web interface skills of teacher participants.
2. Increase teacher participant pedagogical content knowledge in science, data analysis, and spatial thinking skills.
3. Provide an opportunity for teachers to develop and implement their own problem-based teaching modules in their classrooms.
4. Increase data analysis, critical thinking, and spatial thinking skills of students in grades 9-12.
5. Expose 9-12 grade students to STEM content and careers and encourage students to participate in STEM classes.

The project will utilize the facilities of Northern Arizona University, especially the Geospatial Research and Information Laboratory (GRAIL).

Deliverables include three modules created using the Legacy Cycle (Schwarz and Bransford) on analysis of temperature data. Each of the 40 teachers will create a curriculum module that can be shared. Research on the educational model will be disseminated through professional meetings and journals.

Evaluation will be carried out by Carol L. Henderson-Dahms of Southwest Evaluation Research. The evaluation team will include NAU graduate students who represent a traditionally underserved population of Native Americans. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to evaluate the objectives of the project. The evaluation will attempt to establish the following.
1. The elements of a high-quality STEM education professional development program;
2. How GIS-based learning affects spatial thinking;
3. The affect that GIS-based learning has on student uses and analysis of database information; and
4. The affect the GIS-based learning has on how students view the integration of science, math and technology and their interest in STEM careers.

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

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Claesgens, J., Rubino-Hare, L., Bloom, N., Fredrickson, K., Henderson-Dahms, C., Menasco, J. Sample, J.C. "Professional development integrating technology: Does delivery format matter?" Science Educator , v.22 , 2013 , p.10
Jennifer Claesgens, Lori Rubino-Hare, Nena Bloom, Kristi Fredrickson, Carol Henderson-Dahms, Jackie Menasco James Sample "Professional Development Integrating Technology: Does Delivery Format Matter?" Science Educator , v.22 , 2013 , p.10

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