Collaborative Research: Building Capacity for Teacher and Student AI Fluency in Middle Schools in Texas and New York

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $203,066 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project is inspired by the challenges and opportunities that generative AI has created for K- 12 education. Students have unprecedented access to AI tools, which can streamline tasks but also shortcut authentic learning. Educators are eager to explore the potential for AI to enhance instruction and deepen student engagement. Beyond just using AI, understanding how AI works is recognized as a new form of computational thinking which is essential for everyone to learn. With guidance from the AI4K12 framework, teachers have a foundation for recognizing which ideas need to be introduced to their students, but there remains a gap in teacher preparedness to introduce these ideas effectively to all students and in authentic middle school contexts. This project will address these gaps by exploring how to embed the use of AI and understanding of AI into core middle school subjects, including science, language arts, and social studies. Results from the project will provide guidance that is applicable nationwide on effective ways to support teachers in effective use of AI and instruction on how AI works that they can bring to their students. Two school districts (one in Texas and one in New York) will work with researchers from three universities to carry out the project. University personnel will work directly with 60 teachers and academic technology specialists and instructional technology coaches across seven middle schools in the two partner districts over the two project ye

Key facts

NSF award ID
2524230
Awardee
University of Texas at San Antonio (TX)
SAM.gov UEI
U44ZMVYU52U6
PI
Fred G Martin
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
Computer Science for All (CS for All), REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
Estimated total
$203,066
Funds obligated
$203,066
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/15/2025 → 08/31/2027