Promising Developments in Edtech for Science
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The report discusses promising developments in science education technology (edtech) as part of the NewSchools Ignite initiative, outlining the importance of science learning for career opportunities and addressing the diversity gap in science-related fields. Key challenges include declining student interest in science, insufficient resources for teachers, low performance among black and Latino students, and a growing demand for improved science standards. The report highlights the potential for edtech to enhance science learning through hands-on experiences and new digital tools, alongside the challenges of a limited market for effective science education products.
Promising Developments in Edtech for Science
- 1. Promising Developments in Edtech for Science July 2016
- 2. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 2 The NewSchools Ignite Team prepared this report to share findings on science education and lessons learned from launching the Science Learning Challenge. NewSchools Venture Fund is a national nonprofit venture philanthropy working to reimagine public education. NewSchools has three investment strategies, with Ignite being part of the Tools & Services strategy. Innovative Schools Tools & Services Diverse Leaders is a six-month virtual accelerator program that catalyzes product growth in market gaps important to teachers and students, and where innovation is lagging. Launch or redesign innovative district and charter schools Support for-profit and nonprofits through market gap challenges and direct investments Increase Black and Latino founders and CEOs, senior leadership, and board members
- 3. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 Part II: Challenges in K-12 science learning Part I: Why science matters Part III: Opportunities for edtech to support science learning 3 Overview
- 4. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 Science is an integral part of everyday life that unlocks future career paths for students “The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.” -Albert Einstein 4 Part I: Why Science Matters
- 5. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 5 Science learning can spark endless career possibilities for students and build critical skills PhysicistDoctor Programmer Engineer PharmacistTeacher Pilot PainterNewscaster Chemist MusicianBanker Analytical skills Calculations, measurements Technical skillsAttention to detail Building science-related skills Organization skills Communication & cooperation skills Creative abilities Leadership skills Building behavioral skills that support science learning Source: iSeek Careers
- 6. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 6 Science-related fields have some of the fastest growing jobs, and offer substantial earning potential 17% 19% 16% 12% 12% Science-related jobs (Overall) Computing Advanced Manufacturing Engineering All Others U.S. job growth, 2014-2024 Science-related Bachelor’s Degree Non-science related Graduate Degree 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 +65% Earnings are higher with science degrees Source: Change the Equation, 2015; Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2011
- 7. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 7 There are more science-related jobs than candidates in the U.S. there are only ~5 qualified science- related candidates 5 36 there are 36 overall qualified candidates For every 10 job posts… Source: Change the Equation, 2012; Adecco Consulting Report By 2018, there could be 2.4M unfilled science-related jobs
- 8. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 8 Black and Latino workforce is growing, but increasingly underrepresented in science-related jobs Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013; Image source: Change the Equation “Solving the Diversity Dilemma” Report, 2015 Sample science-related jobs, not comprehensive Black and Latino workforce as percentage of jobs 32% Overall U.S. workforce Advanced manufacturing Computing Engineering Widening gap due to lack of access and interest
- 9. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 9 Growing emphasis on science education Source: Adecco Consulting Report Many of today’s jobs and those in the future require science-related skills. Technology has accelerated this need. Today’s challenges require more complex analyses and science-based solutions. Global competitiveness is fueled by innovation, with science at its core. Science literacy skills are currently not taught in an engaging way. This requires a shift towards hands-on, inquiry-based experiences from an early age.
- 10. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 10 Key Takeaways 1Science education is an essential foundation 2 Science-related jobs are in high demand, without enough qualified candidates to fill them 3 While the Black and Latino workforce is growing, they are underrepresented in science-related careers 4 There is a greater focus on science education due to macroeconomic and societal factors
- 11. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 Students are struggling to gain science mastery, and teachers need better resources to support science learning. 11 “The science fair projects of today could become the products or businesses of tomorrow.” -President Barack Obama Part II: Challenges in K-12 Science Learning
- 12. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 12 Studies show student interest in science begins to decline as early as 4th grade Source: National Center for STEM Elementary Education at St. Catherine University, 2011 Interest in science over time by students Baseline Students in K-3 interested in science 4th graders’ interest in science 8th graders’ interest in science 1/3 1/2 Among students originally interested in science, one- third lose interest by 4th grade and one-half by 8th grade. Elementary
- 13. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 13 Science education is failing to teach more than two-thirds of middle school students Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2011 Middle School 35% 33% 30% 2% Below Basic At Basic Proficient Advanced NAEP science scores for 8th graders, 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the largest nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America’s students know and can do in various subject areas.
- 14. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 14 America’s position as the world’s innovation hub is being challenged Early High School Global PISA science scores among 15-year-olds in select countries, 2012 Score is significantly higher than U.S. #28 U.S. (497) #1 Shanghai-China (580) #2 Hong Kong-China (555) #10 Canada (525) #20 Slovenia (514) #30 Latvia (502) #40 Slovakia (471) #50 Cyprus (438) #60 Colombia (399) #65 Peru (373) Score is not significantly different from U.S. Score is significantly lower than U.S. Source: OECD, PISA 2012 The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a triennial international study conducted by the OECD to test skill and knowledge of 15-year-old students.
- 15. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 15 Within the U.S., scores are significantly lower among Black, Latino, and lower-income students Source: OECD, PISA 2012 PISA science scores within the U.S., 2012 Performance by Race 107 points difference Performance by Income 114 points difference <10% eligible for free or reduced lunch (556) 50-74.9% FRL eligible (483) >75% FRL eligible (442) Asian students (546) White students (528) Latino students (462) Black students (439) U.S. average (497) Students in schools with: Early High School
- 16. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 16 Among high school core subjects, college readiness in science remains the lowest Source: ACT, 2014 ACT High School Science Scores, 2014 64% 44% 43% 37% English Reading Math Science Percentage of students who met college readiness benchmark scores Avg. science scores by race Score scale: 1-36 Late High School 18 22 22 23 Benchmark scores by subject Black and Latino students continue to score lower compared to other groups 23.2Asian 22.1White 18.8Latino 17Black
- 17. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 17 The student pipeline is broken, resulting in fewer science- related professionals Image source: NCES Digest of Education Statistics Science & Engineering Indicators Report, 2008 Shortage of Science-related Graduates with
- 18. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 18 Science education standards are being updated to better prepare students Source: Next Generation Science Standards, Academic Benchmarks The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is a state-led initiative to develop new K-12 science standards rich in content and practice and arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and grades to provide internationally benchmarked science education. Every NGSS standard has three dimensions: • disciplinary core ideas (deeper understanding of content) • scientific and engineering practices (application to the real world) • crosscutting concepts (interconnectedness of science and engineering)
- 19. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 19 NGSS progress and adoption has spread, leading other states to update science standards Source: Next Generation Science Standards, Academic Benchmarks, National Center for Science Education, 2015 2015-201620142013 Lead State Partners 26 states involved in developing NGSS States Adopting NGSS 18 states + DC DC • As of early 2016, 26 states have been involved in NGSS and 18 states have adopted them • South Dakota has adopted similar state science standards Other state(s) adopting similar standards to NGSS Science education standards reform
- 20. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 20 Key Takeaways 41 Students are struggling to achieve science mastery throughout K-12 2Students are not prepared to pursue advanced science courses in college 3 Black and Latino students do not yet perform at the same levels as other racial groups 4There is a growing U.S. movement for more rigorous science standards
- 21. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 Ed tech tools hold the potential to facilitate and improve science learning “The only area where we don’t have really good content is in science.” - Middle school principal 21 Title Part III: Opportunities for Ed tech to Support Science Learning
- 22. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 22 Teachers value digital tools, but struggle to find effective products Source: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2015 98% Teachers see value of using technology for student learning 93% Teachers regularly use some form of digital tools to guide instruction 58% Teachers across all subjects found digital tools to be effective
- 23. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 23 A dearth of effective K-12 science tools to teach standards Source: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2014 Excerpt from “Teachers Know Best Report”: Four areas with the greatest deficit of instructional resources that are available, sufficient to teach the standards, and in digital form: K-5 6-8 9-12 Elem. English Lang. Arts MS Social Studies HS Math K-12 Science http://www.teachersknowbest.org/reports
- 24. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 24 Teacher needs vary across grade levels Source: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2015 • Delivery instruction • Vary delivery method K-2 • Vary delivery method • Diagnose student learning 6-8 • Support student collaboration • Tailor learning experience 9-12 • Support student collaboration • Foster independent practice 3-5 What teachers want from science digital tools Teachers Know Best 2.0 Report, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- 25. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 25 There are fewer science ed tech options than math and language arts Source: EdSurge Product Index, 2016 Ed tech companies by subject areas Number of companies listed on EdSurge Product Index (as of 2016) 74 156 182 Science Language Arts Math
- 26. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 26 NewSchools asked teachers what they use and seek Source: NewSchools Market Research, 2015 What technology/devices do students currently have access to at your school? • Some teachers have 1:1 student-to-device ratio, while others noted device carts and computer labs • Chromebooks and iPads were most popular, followed by other Windows laptops Which science products do you currently use? • Simulations and YouTube clips were common use cases • Interactive illustrations and apps were used to explore biological systems • Some had sophisticated tools (e.g. makerspaces, design) How do you define quality in regards to edtech tools? What academic/social outcomes are you most interested? • Student feedback and engagement were among the top qualities teachers sought in tools • Collaboration is key (teacher and student, student to student) • Deeper learning and connections to the world
- 27. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 27 What do teachers see as opportunities to improve science learning? Source: NewSchools Market Research, 2015 Introduce content via independent exploration Enable – not inhibit – social interaction and connection with the physical/natural environment Integrate with other subjects like design and 21st century skills For K-5: Integrate with ELA and Math standards and offer professional development as most teachers are generalists For 9-12: Develop more hands-on, project-based content and creating connections to college and careers For 6-8: Provide teachers with support for deeper inquiry and “exploration of true phenomena”
- 28. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 28 Consistent growth in K-12 edtech venture funding is encouraging Source: EdSurge, 2015 Growth in K-12 edtech investing, 2015 EdSurge $158MM $58MM $147MM $70MM $183MM $71MM $126MM $165MM $319MM 2013 2014 2015 Curriculum Products Teacher Needs School Operations Curriculum Products: Content tools that teach specific subjects and skills Teacher Needs: Products that help teachers with classroom-related activities such as grading, classroom management and lesson planning School Operations: Products that are designed to help improve the management of schools, teachers, students and parents, primarily for use by principals and other school administrators
- 29. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 29 The size of science ed tech funding deals grew in the past year Source: EdSurge, 2016 Notable Ed tech Funding in Science Education EdSurge Product Index $0 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $6,000,000 $8,000,000 $10,000,000 $12,000,000 PCS Edventures $450,000 PCS Edventures $150,000 PCS Edventures $215,000 Late Nite Labs $1,100,000 Exo Labs $640,000 Exo Labs $1,999,691 Mystery Sciences $500,000 Ardusat $1,000,000 Myriad Sensors $100,000 Planet3 $10,000,000
- 30. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 30 NewSchools Ignite launched the Science Learning Challenge to accelerate science innovation six-month virtual accelerator program Launched in July 2015, the Science Learning Challenge aimed to: Empower students and teachers as explorers and creators Make learning more accessible Enable new interactions with peers, instructors and the physical world Connect content to life beyond school Leverage connections to other subject areas Ignite students’ curiosity to facilitate deeper learning in science
- 31. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 31 Science Learning Challenge applicants reflected science ed tech market trends Science Learning Challenge Applicant Pool – 119 companies Science Subject Areas 65% Earth & Space Sciences 65% Life Sciences 77% Physical Sciences 82% Engineering/ Technology/ Applied Sciences Grades 35% K to 2nd 83% 6th to 8th 74% 9th to 12th 68% 3rd to 5th The most popular subject area was engineering/technology/applied sciences. Most science edtech applicants focused on middle to high school content. Note: A single company may fall under multiple subject areas and/or grades within the category
- 32. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 Many offer their products within the web/HTML format. Roughly one-third operate on both web and mobile platforms. 32 Science Learning Challenge applicants reflected science ed tech market trends Platform† 76% Web (HTML) 46% iOS (iPhone/ iPad) 33% Android (Google Play/ Amazon) 24% Windows (client download) 22% Mac/OSX (client download) 59% Subscription Pricing Model† 50% Paid (One-time purchase) 37% Free 30% Freemium (in-app upgrade) The subscription model is most commonly adopted by applicants. Note: A single company may fall under multiple subject areas and/or grades within the category †Remaining % marked as ‘Other’
- 33. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 33 Science Learning Challenge winners were chosen through a rigorous selection process Phase 2: Initial Screen and Diligence on Applicants to Select Semi-Finalists SOURCE SCREEN DILIGENCE SELECT Phase 1: Media and Social Outreach to Announce Challenge Phase 4: Select up to 15 Winners Phase 3: Deeper Diligence on Semi-Finalists Learn more about the Science Learning Challenge and NewSchools selection criteria
- 34. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 34 Challenge winners create hands-on activities and connection to the physical world Ardusat brings space exploration to the classroom by making it possible to run code on satellites orbiting earth. The Makers Empire makes it easy to effectively incorporate 3D design and printing into K-12 classrooms. LocoRobo is a digital and scientific literacy company that introduces students to the world of robotics and coding. MudWatt engages students in hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning, using the power of mud! Lab4U is developing a set of apps that transform mobile devices into science instruments. https://www.ardusat.com/ http://www.lab4u.co/ http://www.locorobo.co/ https://www.makersempire.com/ http://www.mudwatt.com/
- 35. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 35 Challenge winners deliver seamless access to valuable content for teachers and students BirdBrain Science is an adaptive platform that ensures students can read, grow, and learn independently. PowerMyLearning Connect is a free K-12 platform for driving personalized instruction and self-directed learning. The PhET Interactive Simulations provides innovations in teaching, learning, and assessment. Science Bits is a repository of multimedia science lessons designed to fire up your science class. New York Hall of Science provides iPad apps that support play, design projects, and collaboration. https://www.birdbrainscience.com/ http://noticing.nysci.org/ http://phet.colorado.edu/ http://www.powermylearning.org/ http://www.science-bits.com/en/
- 36. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 36 Challenge winners integrate multiple subjects and make learning more culturally relevant and inclusive Teachers use Flocabulary’s hip-hop videos, activities and assessments to engage students. Science with Tom features science role models and music videos where students write their own lyrics. Nepris connects industry professionals with educators to bring real world relevance. Tuva is a data literacy company making statistics and data analysis accessible for learners. Mosa Mack Science provides engaging supplementary curriculum with animated mysteries and activities. https://www.flocabulary.com/ https://www.mosamack.com/ http://www.nepris.com/ http://www.sciencewithtom.com/ https://tuvalabs.com/k12/
- 37. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 37 We believe ed tech can positively impact K-12 science learning TECHNOLOGY Greater broadband access in schools, lower costs for digital science content, and new, creative solutions will impact how science is taught INVESTMENTS K-12 ed tech investments have continued to grow, including greater interest within science, given the priorities to teach students 21st century skills STANDARDS The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and similar standards help science companies build streamlined products across the nation TEACHER VOICE Teachers have been vocal in demanding more effective digital tools, creating a clear pathway for science products to address their needs
- 38. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 38 Challenging roadblocks to transforming science education RESEARCH Resources and funds to conduct research studies are a huge barrier, but are key for determining the impact on student learning and for engendering educator and investor confidence PRODUCT INTEGRATION Science products must adhere to school requirements like single sign-on, security and data privacy, and compatibility with existing tools FUNDRAISING While there may be greater interest, science ed tech funding is at its infancy compared to school operation and other content products SALES PROCESS Science companies face a fragmented school market with generally long sales cycles
- 39. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 Investors 39 We encourage different stakeholders to build and support science ed tech products • Keep abreast of the science education landscape and innovative tools, especially those featured in educational websites and graduates of accelerator programs • Invest in promising science ed tech products with the goal of supporting scaling efforts • Identify primary areas where technology can reduce complexity and time and enhance student learning • Connect with other educators on effective science tools • Be open to trying out ed tech tools and offering product feedback • Advocate for science products that create value and student outcomes • Examine product offerings with items covered in our market research • Identify ways to incorporate educator feedback and conduct research studies on the effectiveness of the product • Determine ways to minimize implementation time/costs and teacher professional development commitments Edtech entrepreneurs Educators
- 40. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 40 Key Takeaways 3 NewSchools launched the Science Learning Challenge to spur growth in science2Market research shows need for science digital tools 1 Teachers see benefits to science tools, but struggle to find effective tools 44 Challenge winners are addressing the market gap, but more support is necessary to close it
- 41. Promising Developments in Science Edtech July 2016 41 For more information, visit ignite.newschools.org If you are interested in helping us address market gaps, sign up to join our educator community at: ignite.newschools.org/educators