Studying ScienceSketch: An NGSS-Aligned Science Modeling Program 

Current Challenge

Modeling is an important part of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). But it can be challenging for teachers to provide feedback on individual students’ drawn models. Real-time feedback could help students improve the scientific accuracy of their models and improve their conceptual science understanding.

Purpose

North Carolina State University, in partnership with WestEd, has developed ScienceSketch, an online science modeling program, to automatically score and provide real-time feedback on students’ models. ScienceSketch covers 4th grade NGSS standards on modeling.

WestEd is conducting a study to examine whether students who use ScienceSketch have improved science learning compared to those who create science models in other ways (e.g., on paper or in a science notebook).

Audiences and Eligible Participants

Educators nationwide who will teach science to 4th grade students in the 2025–26 school year, including 4th grade teachers, science/STEM teachers, science specialists, etc.

Compensation

Teachers will receive a stipend of up to $500. Teachers in the treatment group will receive an additional $200 for completing professional development.

About the Research

• Half of the participating teachers and their classrooms will be randomly selected to use ScienceSketch once per week during science time (treatment group). The other half will continue to conduct regular science instruction and will receive access to ScienceSketch later (comparison group).
• Treatment group teachers will incorporate the platform into their science instruction by having students create, review, or revise models on it at least once a week. Treatment teachers will also complete 3–4 hours of virtual, online professional development on ScienceSketch.
• All teachers will complete pre- and post-surveys (15 minutes each) and 3–4 instructional logs (5–10 minutes each). Teachers will administer two NGSS-aligned science assessments (30–45 minutes each) and a survey (10 minutes) to students.
• Some teachers will participate in a classroom observation and an interview.

Study Director

Mingyu Feng

Mingyu Feng is a nationally recognized expert in development and research of education innovations with a focus on the impact, implementation, and cost of innovative computer technologies and platforms. She works as a Research Director on the Learning and Technology team.

Cathy Ringstaff

Cathy Ringstaff is a Senior Project Director with the Science and Engineering team. She conducts research and evaluation designed to improve teacher professional learning experiences, innovative instructional approaches using technology, informal education, career education, and teaching and learning in STEM.

Funder

This study is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and is led by WestEd, a nonpartisan research, development, and service agency. 

Duration

Recruiting teachers June–December 2025