# An interactive, digital platform to transform physical science learning

> **NIH NIH R44** · SQUID BOOKS, LLC · 2022 · $774,997

## Abstract

Abstract:
The next generation of science and health care professionals will need to understand the foundational
concepts of physics. While textbooks play a critical role in science learning, these books are not designed to
meet the diverse learning needs of students in today’s classrooms. Unfortunately, science textbooks assume a
one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Because of this problem, teachers spend substantial time outside of the
classroom locating and adapting texts to support students who are learning English, students who read below
grade level, and students with learning disabilities. The proposed Fast-Track project seeks to address the
limitations of current physical science textbooks and to revolutionize reading with interactive texts.
Transforming the learning process, SquidBooks makes texts flexible by offering digital texts at different
difficulty levels with embedded language support to create a personalized reading experience, optimizing both
learning and engagement. In particular, the project will support ELL students and students unable to read at
their grade level. Because science textbooks are often written 3 to 5 years above the intended grade level, it is
almost impossible for students with emerging and intermediate English reading skills to comprehend and learn
from traditional science books. The Phase I project includes 3 aims: translating NGSS-aligned force and
motion (NGSS PS2A) content into Spanish (Aim 1); designing and developing science learning games (Aim 2);
and conducting user testing with students and teachers (Aim 3). The Phase II project will have 3 aims,
including creating content in both English and Spanish to address 9 additional NGSS standards (Aim 4);
designing, developing, and testing improved software features (Aim 5); developing educator resources and
conducting user testing with students and teachers (Aim 6). Successful completion of the proposed project will
create knowledge about disciplinary textual processing and adaptive learning technologies and will support
students who have historically been marginalized from STEM fields, especially students with low reading
achievement and ELL students. In turn, this project will enhance and diversify the STEM and health care fields.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10361494
- **Project number:** 5R44GM137622-03
- **Recipient organization:** SQUID BOOKS, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Kelly Puzio
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $774,997
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10361494

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10361494, An interactive, digital platform to transform physical science learning (5R44GM137622-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10361494. Licensed CC0.

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