# SISTEMAS: Stimulating Immersive Science Through Engaging Motivating and Authentic Scenarios

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA · 2023 · $256,877

## Abstract

Abstract: SISTEMAS
The focus of the SISTEMAS proposal is to support and equip underrepresented students, with a particular
focus on Latinx Multilingual Learners (LML), to enter the STEM pipeline and persist. The proposal addresses
the issue at the beginning of the pipeline, when children often decide whether they can do science and math,
and whether they can become future scientists. The research team hypothesizes that if students are exposed
to inclusive, strategically designed learning environments in which they develop their scientific literacy and 21st
century problem solving skills, more students will consider science as a possible career choice. The project is
articulated in four specific aims that include: (1) creating two new versions of Virtual Vet, a narrative rich read
aloud version and Spanish version, to reach a more diverse student population with the international, award-
winning serious game; (2) developing a new immersive environment, Virtual Vet Middle Grades, that targets a
deeper understanding of the human body through the study of genetics; (3) creating a responsive and
customized environment in Virtual Vet that leverages deep learning approaches to provide timely feedback to
students and teachers; and (4) developing a 5-day STEM camp on the campus of the University of Georgia in
the Genetics department to provide inclusive and ambitious science learning experiences specifically
supporting LML students by providing instruction in English and Spanish. Through partnership with six school
districts, more than 6,000 students will garner access to Virtual Vet and Virtual Vet Middle Grades. This sample
size will equip the research team to examine student knowledge, attitudes toward science, interest in pursuing
a science field, and students' mindset toward learning with a particular focus on how novel translanguaging
supports equip LML learners to succeed in science in a digital environment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10623187
- **Project number:** 5R25GM146272-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Georgia Hodges
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $256,877
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-05-20 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10623187

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10623187, SISTEMAS: Stimulating Immersive Science Through Engaging Motivating and Authentic Scenarios (5R25GM146272-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10623187. Licensed CC0.

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