Science Projects Integrating Computing and Engineering (SPICE)

With funding from the National Science Foundation, Digital Promise, SRI International, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Virginia developed Next Generation Science Standards-aligned, project-based curriculum materials that integrate Earth science, engineering, and computational thinking (CT). The materials include (1) a three-week curriculum unit for upper elementary and middle school students, (2) a computational modeling environment that enables students to develop water runoff models and use them to test and refine engineering solutions, and (3) teacher-supporting materials for classroom enactment. The team conducted classroom studies to gather evidence of student learning outcomes and processes across science, engineering, and CT from 2017 through 2022.