CAEx (Computer-Assisted Experimentation) enables real-time experiments to be carried out using a computer; it includes data acquisition and sensor systems, as well as real-time measurement of numerous physical properties. The use of computer-assisted experimentation in the teaching of physics and chemistry in Moroccan secondary schools underwent…

This paper describes how plate tectonics and rock genesis, two topics that are typically addressed separately in secondary Earth science classes, can be taught together as an integrated system. We define the TecRocks Reasoning Framework, developed to support student reasoning about rock formation situated in the context of plate tectonics. We also…

In this study, the effect of internet-based applications on the academic achievement, motivation, and awareness of Web 2.0 tools of 6th grade middle school students on "Matter and Heat" was examined. The study group consisted of 73 (experimental: 50, control: 23) 6th grade students from a public school in Istanbul, Turkey. The study was…

Immersive learning is one of the leading trends in education. Immersive learning uses a simulated or artificial environment for a better learning experience. Design of intelligent learning platform and motivating content development is one key aspect of immersive learning. In this article, we propose an intelligent computer-assisted learning…

This dissertation focuses on three manuscripts all related to bolstering science achievement through recommendations from the National Research Council (NRC) regarding the teaching and learning of science. The manuscripts address meeting the NRC's call to incorporate curriculum and assessment that lead to more in-depth knowledge that can be…

To enhance teaching and learning about Earth's climate and global climate change (GCC) in secondary science classrooms, the authors are engaged in a four-year, National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project to develop, implement, and evaluate a new four-week curriculum module grounded in the use of a data-driven, computer-based climate modeling…

Understanding reflection and refraction are an integral part of school and college learning. In nature even birds and fish (Archer fish) very skillfully use refraction to strike down prey present above or below the water surface. Fermat's principle allows one to look beyond the reasons behind the laws governing the reflection and refraction. A…

This paper reports on a study of teacher support in experimental computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) settings where students engage with graphs in real-time labs within the context of school science. Real-time labs are digital devices and software connected to student-controlled sensors or probes that can measure and visualize data…

This study contributed to our understanding of those factors that serve as predictors of science teachers' selection and use of technologies and more specifically, how selection and usage was realized among teachers of different science disciplines. Notable descriptive statistics were examined, and we tested an explanatory model of how…

As solar energy becomes increasingly affordable, many schools are considering installing new solar power systems. In this article, the authors present Solarize Your School, an engineering project that gives students the opportunity to design and evaluate solar power solutions for their own schools. This STEM project requires students to learn and…

This paper reports the use of Tracker as a computer-based learning tool to support effective learning and teaching of "toss up" and free fall motion for beginning secondary three (15?year-old) students. The case study involved (N = 123) students from express pure physics classes at a mainstream school in Singapore. We used eight…

Currently not many people would doubt that computers play an essential role in both public and private life in many countries. However, somewhat surprisingly, evidence of computer use is difficult to find in German state schools although other countries have managed to implement computer-based teaching and learning in their schools. This paper…

Literature in "Physics Education" has shown that students encounter many difficulties in understanding wave propagation. Such difficulties lead to misconceptions also in understanding sound, often used as context to teach wave propagation. To address these issues, we present in this paper a module in which the students are engaged in…

Information and communication technology (ICT) has become an inseparable part of schoolwork and a goal of education to prepare scientifically literate and digitally competent citizens. Yet the introduction of computers into school work has been much slower than its introduction in other spheres of life. Teachers' lack of knowledge/skills and…

This paper is a response to "Challenges and Opportunities: Using a science-based video game in secondary school settings" by Rachel Muehrer, Jennifer Jenson, Jeremy Friedberg, and Nicole Husain. The article highlights two critical areas that I argue require more research in the studies of video games in education. The first area focuses on the…