Collaborative Research: Scaling Up AI Education for Rural Upper Elementary Students with Immersive Problem-Based Learning

NSF Award Search · 1300PYXXDB H-1B FUND, EDU, NSF · $1,909,468 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance and transform society, it is essential that researchers work in direct partnership with teachers to prepare students to understand the world in which they are growing up. Advancing this goal across K-12 education requires a clear understanding of how to introduce AI concepts to elementary school students and how to effectively support teachers in doing so. The PrimaryAI scale-up project advances foundational knowledge in K-12 AI education that leverages immersive problem-based learning pedagogies for upper elementary learners in grades 3 to 5. The project will reach over 5,000 upper elementary students and more than 60 teachers while expanding the research and implementations across multiple states. The project team will partner with teachers from rural communities in Alabama, Indiana, and North Carolina to engage their students in authentic AI-infused problem solving. This approach aims to foster students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and equip them with fundamental AI knowledge they will need to thrive in the future. The project will investigate key factors that influence successful scaling of an AI education curriculum across multiple state contexts. It will examine the interplay among teacher professional development, localized classroom adaptation, collaborative design methods, and student learning and interest. These elements are central to understanding the conditions for impl

Key facts

NSF award ID
2445720
Awardee
North Carolina State University (NC)
SAM.gov UEI
U3NVH931QJJ3
PI
Krista D Glazewski
Primary program
1300PYXXDB H-1B FUND, EDU, NSF
All programs
STEM Learning & Learning Environments
Estimated total
$1,909,468
Funds obligated
$1,909,468
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2029