NeuroScience Practical Applications to Reach K-12 Students (NeuroSPARKS)

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT SignificanceNeuroSPARKS is a unique learning system that leads students through lesson modules to introduce STEM concepts in an imaginative and engaging platformThe system combines inexpensivewireless electromyography electrodes that are convenient for students to use in a classroom setting with software that presents STEM lessons within a video gameThe NeuroSPARKS project aims to develop a highly effective and accessible system that introduces students to hands onrelatable science challengesincreases learningand promotes interest in scienceProblem to be AddressedThe NeuroSPARKS system will increase scientific knowledge and interest in Kstudentsaddressing the national concern regarding decreasing numbers of students pursuing scientific and technical careersIncreasing interest in scientific fields is crucial for society to address the growing number of medical and technical problemsLong Term GoalImprove STEM knowledge and interest in KstudentsPhase I ResultsDuring the Phase I efforta NeuroSPARKS system prototypeincluding hardware and softwarewas developed and verified to be functional in a classroom settingEvaluation with seventh grade students demonstrated statistically significant increases in both science learning and interest following completion of the NeuroSPARKS lessonPhase II HypothesisThe SBIR Phase II program will test the hypotheses that students who complete the NeuroSPARKS lessonsexpanded for middle school life sciencephysical scienceand engineering designwill see statistically significant increases in both science interest and learning compared to a control lessonPhase II SummaryBarron AssociatesIncaward winning innovators in the field of serious video gameshas partnered with educational and game development leaders for this SBIR Phase II program to develop and demonstrate the efficacy of the commercial ready NeuroSPARKS systemThe specific objectives of the Phase II program are todevelop the Phase II commercial ready EMG hardware comprised of stand alone wireless electrode modulesconduct focus groups to obtain end user feedback from students and teacherscreate lesson contentwhich expands the Phase I lessons for use in additional science classroomsalong with teacher training materialsdevelop the Phase II NeuroSPARKS game software comprised of expanded lesson content and learning challengesperform usability testingconduct formal assessment of learning and engagement levels with middle school students following game playandanalyze the resultsImpactThe system will have a significant impact on STEM education by increasing student learning and interest through the inclusion of engagingrelevantand hands on learning activities as presented via video games using the novel NeuroSPARKS muscle control interface PROJECT NARRATIVE The NeuroScience Practical Applications to Reach KStudentsNeuroSPARKSsystem is an innovative neuroscience educational tool that presents instructional materials to students along with hands on challenges that are solved using wireless electromyography sensors that measure muscle activityThe proposed system will increase scientific knowledge and interest in Kstudentsaddressing the national concern regarding decreasing numbers of students pursuing scientific and technical careers