SmartWheels for Hands-on Physical Science

During Phase I in 2021 the team developed a prototype of a matchbox-sized car embedded with a sensor to capture and transmit scientific data to a digital notebook that presents data from which educators and students can draw insights. At the end of Phase I, researchers completed a pilot study with two middle school science teachers and 35 students to test the usability, feasibility, and promise of the prototype.  The team found that the prototype captured student play data and transmitted the data to a dashboard that students and educators were able to view.  Students found the prototype easy to use and indicated that the exercises were focused on learning objectives.  Educators reported that students were engaged when using the prototype and were able to analyze data generated by the prototype.

In Phase II of the project, the team will fully develop the product, including a data visualization dashboard, a competition platform, and ten physical science classroom instructional modules. The team will conduct iterative refinements with feedback from educators and students at major production milestones until the product is fully functional. After development concludes, researchers will carry out a pilot study to test the feasibility and usability, fidelity of implementation, and the promise of the product for improving science learning. The team will collect data from 30 middle school science classes, with half randomly assigned to use the product and the other half to use business-as-usual activities for the same course content.  Researchers will compare pre-and-post scores for NGSS-based items including analyzing and interpreting data from graphs, as well as student motivation for engaging in STEM activities and careers. Researchers will gather cost information using the "ingredients method" and will include all expenditures on things such as personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, and training.