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Effective K-12 Science Instruction: Elements of Research-based Science Education (2006) and the Texas Science Initiative Meta-Analysis of National Research Regarding Science Teaching (2005)

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Research Summary:

A meta-analysis of 60+ research studies that satisfied criteria for methodological rigor identified several teaching strategies supported by broad evidence of effectiveness in improving student achievement.

Key Findings:

  • Manipulation strategies enable students to experience science by becoming active learners who participate in building their own understanding.
  • Technology-enhanced instruction, including simulations, enables students to manipulate variables and quickly see the results.
  • Inquiry-based learning provides opportunities to analyze data and encourages deep understanding.
  • Manipulation strategies, technology-enhanced instruction, and inquiry-based learning were associated with an average gain of 18-24 percentile points in student achievement.

PDF File Icon  Read the Research Brief: Effective K-12 Science Instruction

The student feedback was great! The interactions with the programs took them farther, faster than anything else I have worked with... The outcomes after testing were phenomenal!

Deanna Showalter
Teacher in Grapevine Colleyville
Texas

Critical Acclaim

  • Winner: Best Science Instruction Solution

    2013, 2010, 2007, 2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • BESSIE Award Winner: Multi-level

    2013 ComputEd Gazette

  • Cool Tool Award: STEM Solution

    2013 Ed Tech Digest

  • Winner: Distinguished Achievement Award

    2012, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2005 AEP

  • EDDIE Award Winner: Multi-level

    2012 ComputEd Gazette

  • Winner: Golden Lamp Award

    2010 AEP

  • Winner: Best K-12 Instructional Solution

    2009 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Winner: Award of Excellence

    2009, 2008 Tech and Learning Magazine

  • Finalist: Best Math Instructional Solution

    2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Distinguished Achievement Award

    2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2006 AEP

  • Finalist: Best K-12 Instructional Solution

    2010 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Golden Lamp Award

    2009, 2008, 2006 AEP

  • Diamond Award in Mathematics

    District Administration Magazine

  • E-Learning Innovation Award

    Macromedia Corp.

  • Best Education Website

    Webby Awards

  • Three time Digital Dozen Honoree

    Eisenhower National Clearinghouse

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