AERA spotlighted groundbreaking research that has helped improve student achievement at the Coalition for National Science Funding’s (CNSF) 21st Annual Capitol Hill Exhibition on April 29.
New Mexico State University researchers Karin Wiburg and Karen Trujillo presented Math Snacks, which are educational animations, mini-games, and interactive tools that help mid-school learners better understand math concepts. The Math Snacks project is funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Education and Human Resources Directorate (EHR).
Wiburg and Trujillo presented some of the findings from their research and implementation of Math Snacks in classrooms in a New Mexico district. A randomized control trial found that sixthgrade students showed significant gains in their understanding of key concepts when their teachers used the games for 8–12 days over a five-week period, as compared to students whose teachers used only the district curriculum.
Thirty-five scientific associations and universities participated in the CNSF exhibition, titled Investments in STEM Research & Education: Fueling American Innovation. The event attracted nearly 300 people, including nine members of Congress. Visitors to AERA’s booth included NSF Director France A. Cordova and Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA), ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Science, Justice, and Related Agencies.