As a person obsessed, perhaps overly so, with preventing water damage, an ailing dishwasher led to a system whereby who did the dishes in our household became a matter of chance. What happened next, however, was besmirchment of my character from hockey teammates, close friends, and especially from a room full of future elementary school…

This article discusses how abstract concepts in primary science can be tackled using interactive digital simulations, models, and analogies. The author provides information on simulations for physics; abstract space concepts; size and scale; distances; time; and weather. Interactive digital simulations are a way to help children visualise some of…

Recent solar eclipses provide relevant real-world contexts for learning about the scientific phenomena of the lunar phases. News coverage of the phenomenon may have raised questions such as, "Why does the Moon look different at different times, and sometimes as if it is not there?," and "What patterns can be found in the lunar…

This is the third in a series of articles describing CODAP and where it might be used to address content in the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics" v9.0 (ACARA, 2022). We've talked before about model-ling and about statistics; this time, we'll talk about exploring probability using CODAP. As before, we have also prepared online pages…

Students with disabilities often face significant challenges in developing mathematical problem-solving skills, which are critical for academic success. Traditional problem-solving interventions have primarily focused on skill acquisition, leading to issues with knowledge application in real-world contexts. Enhanced Anchored Instruction (EAI)…

Rich research evidence supporting the strong, positive connections between spatial ability and mathematical ability has been well documented. Spatial tools, such as computer-aided-design (CAD) software, have been increasingly utilized and researched for promoting mathematics learning in K--12 (kindergarten to 12th grade). Tinkercad, a free online…

This article asks the question: is the "Last Banana" game fair? Engaging in this exploration provides students with the mathematical power to answer the question and the mathematical opportunity to explore important statistical ideas. Students engage in simulations to calculate experimental probabilities and confirm those results by…

Augmented reality (AR) is a valuable tool which is becoming more easily accessible due to the recent developments in mobile device technology and the growing availability of AR content. Augmented reality refers to computer generated 3D objects superimposed onto real life scenes. Unlike virtual reality, AR simply needs a device with a camera, the…

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that is rapidly gaining popularity in and out of the classroom. With improvements in hardware and software technology and the push for one-to-one computing, teachers have access to innovative VR supports and resources. These innovative technologies have the potential to improve instruction for…

The present study aimed to develop, introduce, and conduct an activity for the integration of augmented reality to the jigsaw IV technique in a planned and systematic manner. The activity developed for secondary school students is related to the "Pure Substances" subject which it is included in the "Particulate structure of…

Empirical growth benchmarks, as introduced by Hill, Bloom, Black, and Lipsey (2008), are a well-known way to contextualize effect sizes in education research. Past work on these benchmarks, both positive and negative, has largely avoided confronting the role of vertical scales, yet technical issues with vertical scales trouble the use of such…

Too often, statistical inference and probability are treated in schools like they are unrelated. In this paper, we describe how we supported students to learn about the role of probability in making inferences with variable data by building models of real world events and using them to simulate repeated samples.

In this article we illustrate how one teacher used PhET cannonball simulation as an instructional tool to improve students' algebraic reasoning in a fifth grade classroom. Three instructional phases effective to implementation of simulation included: Free play, Structured inquiry and, Synthesizing ideas.

At Race Leys Junior School in Warwickshire, creative and unique experiences are at the forefront of the minds of the teachers. As a team, the teachers are always seeking new and innovative ideas to enrich their curriculum. Over the last year, through the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become more adventurous with their thinking and lesson delivery.…

In this article we make recommendations based on our qualitative inquiry into one elementary teacher's iterative processes of designing and implementing technology-enhanced instruction using virtual reality (VR). The use of VR has gained more attention from educational researchers and practitioners but evidence-based demonstrations of how teachers…