# Augmented Reality Platform for Feedback and Assessment in STEM Elementary Education

> **NIH NIH R44** · EXPLORE INTERACTIVE, INC. · 2024 · $968,377

## Abstract

Delivering meaningful, project-based learning for science and engineering in elementary
classrooms is increasingly recognized as essential for training the workforce required to solve
our most pressing health and environmental problems. However, many educators and
classrooms are not adequately supported with the funding, materials, or training necessary to
conduct and assess effective learning activities in these areas. Furthermore, even with such
support, many concepts are difficult to grasp. However, the use of interactive digital media
(IDM), specifically augmented reality (AR) holds great promise and shows results for addressing
this gap. This project’s long-term objective is to utilize AR to provide interactive, collaborative
game-based activities that are feasible for delivery across educational settings and in particular
for low resource communities. Furthermore, with each content area students and teachers will
have the opportunity to appreciate the nature and behavior of scientific systems while also
solving problems through design-thinking for real-life applications. The project aligns with the
NIH mission by developing the scientific human resources at the critical elementary age with the
knowledge and skill sets necessary to study, understand, and impact systems for better health
outcomes. This SBIR Phase II project will expand the impact of the framework and infrastructure
from the mobile application developed in Phase I for simulation-based learning; design and
critical-thinking; and increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM. The first specific aim focuses
on the feedback capabilities. Each interaction provides evidence to trigger formative feedback
for the student and realtime support based on students' AR actions and requests. The second
specific aim develops the visualization dashboard to provide actionable insights for educators.
These first two aims propose to research, develop, and refine the machine learning or artificial
intelligence algorithms and user interfaces for critical student feedback and educator
dashboards for content specific knowledge and design and problem-solving processes,
targeting troubleshooting and prototyping. The third specific aim is to develop the software and
hardware systems necessary to increase the impact of the technology through both curricular
expansion and hardware compatibility. The curricular areas of focus would include magnetism,
sound (auditory) and light waves (optical) as well as bioengineering. The expanded technology
and activities will be tested throughout design and development for feasibility. Each aim is
anchored through student and educator classroom testing essential to provide a commercially
viable and educationally effective product.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10888286
- **Project number:** 5R44GM134813-03
- **Recipient organization:** EXPLORE INTERACTIVE, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Amanda Marie Thompson
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $968,377
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-13 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10888286

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10888286, Augmented Reality Platform for Feedback and Assessment in STEM Elementary Education (5R44GM134813-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10888286. Licensed CC0.

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