Blog

Exploring immigration data with CODAP

Manzanar dataset in CODAP with Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and her family listed first.

Middle school social studies students typically study 20th century immigration, including the push and pull factors that guided immigration and the policies that shaped travel to (and from) the United States. Additionally, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston’s memoir Farewell to Manzanar, which details her experience in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II, is a […]

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Making data exploration accessible for blind and low-vision learners using AI

A screenshot of CODAP showing a data table of mammals and their characteristics, a dot plot of the lifespan of the mammals in the table, and a window that contains the DAVAI plugin, displaying some of the descriptive text DAVAI generated when the user asked for a description of the lifespan dot plot. The text displayed in the DAVAI plugin is: DAVAI. The “LifeSpan Dot Plot” presents a visual representation of lifespan data for various mammals. Here’s a detailed description of the graph: Title: The graph is titled “LifeSpan Dot Plot” and is displayed at the top. X-Axis: The horizontal axis represents Lifespan in years, ranging from 0 to 90 years. The x-axis is labeled “LifeSpan (years)” in blue. Dots: Each dot represents a data point for the lifespan of a mammal. Color and Size of Dots: The dots are orange in color and vary slightly in size, giving the plot a ...The text is cut off at this point, but in the image it is in a scrollable window, so the assumption is the user could scroll to see the rest.

Our Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP) engages learners in data science practices, including data analysis and visualization. But what does “visualization” mean to blind or low-vision (BLV) learners? A new National Science Foundation-funded project is using artificial intelligence (AI) to develop and research new tools for making data exploration accessible to BLV learners. Graphs—and […]

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75 years of discovery, innovation, and impact: Why we must celebrate and safeguard the NSF

Two students at a computer with NSF 75th banner on top

On May 10, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) celebrates 75 years of empowering discovery, innovation, and learning. For generations, NSF has supported the ideas and people that have shaped STEM education, research, and opportunity in America. But this milestone is more than a celebration—it’s also a moment for reflection. The gains we’ve made through […]

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AI goes to virtual school

Using StoryQ, students build a model and analyze the model’s performance using graphs.

What does learning about artificial intelligence have to do with learning math? A group of enthusiastic middle and high school students are finding out, thanks to a new supplemental program offered this spring at the Florida Virtual School! As an extension of their Algebra 1 course, students are learning to build an AI model that […]

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Exploring rocks and tectonics: Introducing feedback on the TecRocks Explorer data table

TecRocks Explorer showing four rock types in the data table.

We’re thrilled to announce an updated release of the Rocks & Tectonics module! This module revolutionizes the teaching of the traditional rock cycle by connecting rock formation to plate motion and the tectonic conditions under which rocks form. The new version of the Rocks & Tectonics module incorporates new interactive feedback mechanisms designed to support […]

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Aloha from the Pelehonuamea Project

Mauna Loa eruption, 2022, NPS

Hawaiʻi’s iconic volcanoes have shaped its islands, culture, and communities for centuries. From the breathtaking eruptions of Mauna Loa to the challenges of living with air pollution caused by the eruptions (known as “vog”), volcanic activity is an intrinsic part of life in Hawaiʻi. What if students could harness computational tools to better understand volcanic […]

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Publications in 2024 that advance research in STEM educational technology

In 2024, we published nine journal articles and four book chapters. Through these publications and our @Concord newsletter, our goal is to share relevant knowledge between the education researcher and practitioner communities. Read all Concord Consortium articles and book chapters. Using Multiple, Dynamically Linked Representations to Develop Representational Competency and Conceptual Understanding of the Earthquake […]

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