GoSense - A Hands-On Introduction to Sense & Sense-Making
Abstract
There is an urgent and significant need for flexible STEM programming to support educators, students, and parents navigating hybrid and dispersed educational environments. This existing need is further exacerbated by the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed GoSense project is a response to that need with a particular emphasis on naval-relevant content and pilot projects in underserved and military-connected and underserved communities as well as a program model that will support students in myriad learning environments. GoSense is a series of build-it-yourself environmental sensor kits designed for construction and use in real-world projects by students and educators. By building, deploying, and analyzing data from these sensor kits, students will be introduced to the Naval science and technology priorities of sense and sense-making and explore the world of sensors, big data, computer science, environmental sensing, and various fields of engineering. Developed for deployment in various marine, air, and land environments, GoSense kits will be enhanced by educational and program support resources, a virtual community, as well as a robust citizen science framework for use in pilot programs in naval-connected communities across the United States. Additionally, inclusive, annual stakeholder convenings will focus on identifyingbarriers and improving access to meaningful participation for underserved and underrepresented communities. This program will provide students ranging from middle school through undergraduate studies with real-world, naval-relevant applications and experiences to frame their classroom learning. Through inquiry- and project-based learning models, the citizen science framework provides communities with the flexibility to start a new program or incorporate GoSense into existing programs or classroom models. The modularity inherent in this project is one of its greateststrengths, supporting adaptation for at-home, distance learning, and hybrid educational settings, as well as traditional in-person classrooms or clubs. Utilizing a grassroots regional model proven by RoboNations SeaPerch program, GoSense will benefit from and support a robust network of educators and advocates that reach over 250,000 students annually.The transdisciplinary nature of this project promotes the conceptual and hands-on understanding of the role of big data, how to engage with and analyze large data sets, as well as how this analysis may be automated and enhanced through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). All the content and skills within this project will further enhance student understanding of data and how data can be used to understand environments and make informed decisions. Through theincorporation of physical sensing platforms, hands-on and virtual educational resources, and experiential learning opportunities, participants will garner a unique perspective that will open a variety of STEM pathways for continued learning and engagement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112504
Entities
People
- Lindsey Groark
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy