At a time when changes in standards and curriculum compound the pressures of fifth-grade state testing, the authors wanted to find an engaging way to involve students in authentic science and engineering. Rather than put their efforts into a traditional science fair that would inevitably lead to inequitable input by parents and students alike,…

This research aimed to examine the effect of authentic learning activities on achievement in social studies and attitudes towards Geographic Information System (GIS). To this end, it used an explanatory mixed method design where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The quantitative data were collected using an academic…