SBIR Phase I: Investigate and Quantify in Real Time (INQUIRE)- A Framework for Simulation Based on Real Data

在美国，学习自然现象定性描述的年轻学生在数学和科学方面表现出很高的成就，但随着课程变得更加抽象和量化，与其他国家相比，年龄较大的学生的成就稳步下降。 这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目来自Yaros Communications，Inc。解决了这些最近的趋势，在科学和数学性能的美国学生与基于网络的教育模拟，学生可以调查和量化实时（查询）。 INQUIRE将使用自然现象的复杂数据作为模拟的输入，为学生提供与具体经验相关的可视化。 原型系统将使用真实的时间气象数据作为气球模拟的输入。 通过这种方式，学生可以将气球在空中移动的具体图像与大气物理学相关的抽象概念联系起来。 INQUIRE系统提供了一个框架，用于根据互联网上提供的任何真实的时间数据开发其他模拟。 INQUIRE系统还包含学生在互联网上合作或竞争的规定。 第一阶段的研究将开发（1）教育目标，技术规范和评估内容;（2）原型对象（气球）模拟器;（3）由教育工作者评估的原型系统;以及（4）最终系统的其他场景和规范的目标。INQUIRE系统的主要商业应用将作为Yaros Communications现有产品线的补充，包括其全国性的Weatherschool项目，该项目目前已获得70多家商业电视台的许可，注册教室超过80万间。 作为一家通过与当地电视台和企业赞助商合作向教室提供免费教育材料的公司，为中学开发这种独特的实时INQUIRE科学“引擎”提供了有效分发和广泛使用的机会。

Young students in the U.S. who are learning qualitative descriptions of natural phenomena exhibit high levels of achievement in mathematics and science, but as the curriculum become more abstract and quantitative, achievement steadily decreases in older students relative to that in other countries as reported in various studies. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Yaros Communications, Inc. addresses these recent trends in science and mathematics performance of U.S. students with a web based educational simulation with which students can INvestigate and QUuantify In REal-time (INQUIRE). INQUIRE will use complex data of natural phenomena as inputs to a simulation that gives students visualizations related to concrete experiences. The prototype system will use real time weather data as input to a balloon simulation. In this way, students can connect the concrete image of a balloon moving through the air to the abstract concepts associated with atmospheric physics. The INQUIRE system provides a framework for developing other simulations based on any real time data available on the Internet. The INQUIRE system also contains provisions for students to collaborate or to compete over the Internet. The Phase I research will develop (1) educational objectives, technical specifications and evaluation content; (2) a prototype object (balloon) simulator; (3) a prototype system to be evaluated by educators; and (4) objectives for additional scenarios and specifications for the final system.\The primary commercial application for the INQUIRE system will be as an addition to the existing product line of Yaros Communications, including its nationwide Weatherschool project now licensed by more than 70 commercial television stations with more than 800,000 classrooms enrolled. As a company providing no cost educational materials to classrooms through its partnerships with local television stations and corporate sponsors, the development of this unique real-time INQUIRE science 'engine' for middle schools offers an opportunity for efficient distribution and widespread use.