Collaborative Research: Building AI Models to Help Middle School Students Interpret Science Diagrams

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $599,649 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Representations such as diagrams, graphs, and charts are central to science and science education. However, learners often struggle with how to interpret science representations. The goal of this project is to develop, implement, and test a new AI assistant, the Representational Reasoning Assistant (RRA), to help middle school students interpret representations in their science classrooms. The AI assistant will draw on cutting edge Generative AI technologies to engage learners in conversations about the representations assigned by their teachers, ask the learners guiding questions, and offer suggestions about where to look in order to make sense of the representations. A key component of the design is to enable teachers to modify the AI assistant easily based on knowledge of their students and on the tasks which they set as priorities for their students. The project will help advance interdisciplinary research and practices in AI, computer science, learning sciences, and STEM learning. Throughout the three years of the project, teachers and students will be recruited from urban, suburban, and rural schools. The sequence of research and development activities reflects an integrated effort between the learning sciences and computer science teams. The project consists of iterative cycles of exploration, development, pilot and model refinements of the AI assistant, focusing on the types of representations teachers use in science activities and the types of feedback they give

Key facts

NSF award ID
2506945
Awardee
Indiana University (IN)
SAM.gov UEI
YH86RTW2YVJ4
PI
Cindy E Hmelo-Silver
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
AI-Supported Learning
Estimated total
$599,649
Funds obligated
$599,649
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028