1. Amanda Thompson
  2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amthomps/
  3. CEO
  4. SBIR Phase I: A STEM curriculum platform using augmented reality for real-time collaboration and problem solving.
  5. https://exploremindlabs.com/
  6. Explore Interactive
  1. Linda Smith
  2. Media/STEM/Technology Specialist
  3. SBIR Phase I: A STEM curriculum platform using augmented reality for real-time collaboration and problem solving.
  4. https://exploremindlabs.com/
  5. Yorktown Community Schools, Explore Interactive
Public Discussion

Continue the discussion of this presentation on the Multiplex. Go to Multiplex

  • Icon for: DeLene Hoffner

    DeLene Hoffner

    Facilitator
    Lead Teacher
    May 11, 2021 | 01:09 a.m.

    I really enjoyed your video and project.  What were the most profound lessons you learned through your work? Do students have previous experience with building actual circuits with wires, batteries, bulbs?

  • Icon for: Amanda Thompson

    Amanda Thompson

    Lead Presenter
    CEO
    May 11, 2021 | 06:53 a.m.

    Thank you for your comment DeLene!  We find that both the experienced and inexperienced students can benefit from working with the digital materials.  I think the most exciting observation we had was how engaged students became within the collaborative environment, both when given a difficult challenge and once the challenge was over and they explored what was possible with elaborate designs!

  • Icon for: Amanda Thompson

    Amanda Thompson

    Lead Presenter
    CEO
    May 11, 2021 | 06:51 a.m.

    Good morning STEM4all attendees!  Thank you for clicking through to our video.  We are excited to share our work on creating meaningful augmented reality for STEM.    I'm Dr. Amanda Thompson (aka Dr. Pixel when in character on our YouTube STEMPossible series!), educator, entrepreneur, research geek and mom. My team and I developed MindLabs' innovative technology that uses augmented reality to combine digital learning with hands-on learning to deepen students’ understanding of concepts like energy and circuits.  Our vision is to build engaging lesson and create environments across the key science and engineering concepts as possible for the elementary age learner, while being mindful to incorporate writing and math to fit it into teacher's busy day.   We are currently proposing to supplement the open-ended system with a robust engineering notebook tool (and "stealth" assessment)  to help teachers evaluate design thinking, collaboration and SEL skills.  We'd absolutely love to hear from you!

  • Icon for: Noelle Posadas

    Noelle Posadas

    Design Director
    May 11, 2021 | 11:05 a.m.

    This is a really cool project! I am the design director at Killer Snails, we are using XR technology to help students see themselves as scientist. We are currently working on a new project with the NIH for students in the 3-5th grade. Were there any best practices your team discovered when trying to abstract concepts and systems for this age group? 

  • Icon for: Amanda Thompson

    Amanda Thompson

    Lead Presenter
    CEO
    May 12, 2021 | 11:34 a.m.

    Hi Noelle!  We are a big fan of Killer Snails!  Our philosophy is to "un" abstract concepts by providing visualizations, also the digital version of assets allow you to narrow to the concept of interest for younger ages and leave more complex ideas for later discovery.

     
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    Noelle Posadas Shang
  • Icon for: DeLene Hoffner

    DeLene Hoffner

    Facilitator
    Lead Teacher
    May 11, 2021 | 03:21 p.m.

    So students learn about circuits through virtual manipulations?  Interesting.  The students seem very motivated by this and learn a lot.  What do you find are the biggest take-aways for students?  

  • Icon for: Amanda Thompson

    Amanda Thompson

    Lead Presenter
    CEO
    May 12, 2021 | 11:36 a.m.

    When the students are able to see a concept in repetition (of course with variants of the setting), they start using the vocabulary to design and troubleshoot their own work.  It's very exciting!  Also, they love that they can also do "edge" cases, ie purposely create short circuits and see what happens!

  • Icon for: Myriam Steinback

    Myriam Steinback

    Facilitator
    Independent Consultant
    May 11, 2021 | 11:44 p.m.

    Nice video - you mention that all students can have access to your materials. How can schools access them? Teachers do have busy days - how are they making time to incorporate your materials? What PD support do you provide to teachers?

  • Icon for: Amanda Thompson

    Amanda Thompson

    Lead Presenter
    CEO
    May 12, 2021 | 11:37 a.m.

    The app is free!  And while we do sell the physical product, we offer a printable trial sheet on our website.  They won't work with the same fidelity as the purchased product but they're a great way to try it out!

  • Icon for: Josie Melton

    Josie Melton

    Facilitator
    Post-Doctoral Researcher and Senior Instructor
    May 12, 2021 | 04:24 p.m.

    Students seem very engaged with these materials!  How are you assessing impacts of the project - are you measuring student learning in terms of content or is it more about attitudes towards STEM?

  • Icon for: Amanda Thompson

    Amanda Thompson

    Lead Presenter
    CEO
    May 14, 2021 | 09:34 a.m.

    Here are the research questions we are tackling next!

    1. In what ways and to what extent does immersion in activities support elementary students in developing design thinking and collaborative practices?
    2. In what ways and to what extent does immersion with activities impact student’s social and emotional self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills and how do these relate to students’ collaborative practices?
    3. In what ways and to what extent does immersion in activities impact students’ interest and self-efficacy in science and engineering as well their science content knowledge?
  • Icon for: Josie Melton

    Josie Melton

    Facilitator
    Post-Doctoral Researcher and Senior Instructor
    May 15, 2021 | 01:19 a.m.

    Thanks for sharing -  there are many potential impacts of your program! I look forward to learning more about it in the future.

  • Icon for: DeLene Hoffner

    DeLene Hoffner

    Facilitator
    Lead Teacher
    May 13, 2021 | 09:43 a.m.

    Bravo to all for this wonderful discussion! Thank you for viewing and adding your questions and expertise. Please share the STEM Showcase with others so they can participate in the discussion too. Let's get more educators involved in viewing these top projects. Voting and discussion ends on May 18th at 8PM EDT. (but viewing is open anytime) https://stemforall2021.videohall.com/

    For presenters, what are your next steps going forward?

  • Icon for: Amanda Thompson

    Amanda Thompson

    Lead Presenter
    CEO
    May 14, 2021 | 09:35 a.m.

    We are submitting a Phase II application today!!!