# MusiQuest STEAM: interactive digital media for K-5 STEM education integrating audio and music

> **NIH NIH R44** · EDIFY · 2024 · $306,856

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
 STEAM is an educational model that presents science, technology, engineering,
arts, and math through interdisciplinary instruction. Research shows that STEAM
programs can produce STEM learning outcomes and engage a higher percentage and
broader diversity of students than traditional STEM instruction. However, three barriers
limit the implementation of STEAM in elementary schools: 1) access to resources, 2)
teacher expertise and bandwidth, and 3) class management and assessment.
 In response to these barriers, Edify Technologies proposes to develop MusiQuest
STEAM: interactive digital media for K-5 STEM education integrating audio and
music. MusiQuest STEAM comprises six hands-on technical components – Animals,
Audio Engineering, Genetics, Industrial Design, The Brain, and Waves – that will be
integrated into 60 total lessons which address Next Generation Science Standards, ten
each for grades K-5. By incorporating audio (music, sound, hearing, etc.) in every
lesson, MusiQuest STEAM will present artistic connections to STEM that help build
students' knowledge of key concepts, and inspire their interest in learning more about
biomedical science and related research.
 MusiQuest STEAM will be produced by Edify through an iterative development
process in partnership with researchers at WestEd. First, plans for MusiQuest STEAM
will be reviewed by subject matters experts. Next, two usability studies with students
and teachers will help ensure that the product's technical components and lessons are
well developed. A classroom feasibility study will measure MusiQuest STEAM's outputs
and outcomes in the classroom in order to determine if teachers can implement the
program with fidelity. Finally, WestEd will conduct summative research on a full
implementation of 10 Grade 3 and 4 lessons in 30 schools with 750 students. Teachers
and classes will be randomly assigned to either the treatment or control condition.
 The intended outcomes of this SBIR project are that: 1) students' knowledge of
grade-appropriate STEM concepts grows as measured through formal assessments; 2)
students display an understanding that audio and music can impact human and animal
health; and, 3) students demonstrate increased interest in studying STEM, and pursuing
potential careers in STEAM vocations in the future– leading to greater long-term
participation in public health professions, especially from underrepresented groups.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11007504
- **Project number:** 1R44GM156157-01
- **Recipient organization:** EDIFY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jacob Zax
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $306,856
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-08 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11007504

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11007504, MusiQuest STEAM: interactive digital media for K-5 STEM education integrating audio and music (1R44GM156157-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11007504. Licensed CC0.

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