The Cumulative Benefits of Graph-Science Knowledge Integration

• In Event: Supporting Students Through Learning Sciences Research

Abstract

This multi-year study explored the trajectories of over 8000 6th to 8th grade students with varying years of exposure to a web-based platform using graph integrations across a dozen customizable units exploring a diversity of science topics. Leveraging Knowledge Integration (KI), instruction guided students to link graph and science ideas to deepen their understandings of complex science topics and develop their argument sophistication. Using HLM, growth trajectories were analyzed around exposure to instruction. Findings suggest that two years of graph-science KI instruction is required to make an impact on performance and ameliorate the disparity between students with different language fluencies. Integrating graphs with science content, thus, exploits synergies across topics to increase argument sophistication without extending science classroom instruction.

Authors

• Phillip Andrew Boda, University of Illinois at Chicago
  Presenting Author

• Shruti Bathia, University of California - Berkeley
  Non-Presenting Author

• Marcia Linn, University of California - Berkeley
  Non-Presenting Author