3D-VIEW [Virtual Interactive Environmental Worlds] is a truly interdisciplinary, Earth with life science, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum for Grades 5-8. The program is research-based and teaches students science content using a constructivist and visual approach with scientific inquiry. The program's aim is to increase student achievement in middle school science by enabling students to truly understand dozens of abstract concepts such as seasons, photosynthesis, and plate tectonics. A 2005 study conducted by collaborating partner Stanford University revealed that 3D visualizations increased student understanding of the mechanisms of plate tectonics. A 2009 study saw over 70% of students in grade 5 and 6 score 'advanced' or achieve 'mastery' on grade 8 science questions. Each 3D-VIEW unit stands alone and fits seamlessly into local curricula. It is standards-based, covering topics already taught at this level. In addition to the focus on science and technology, Project 3D-VIEW includes formal literacy components. Each unit includes a fiction or nonfiction Reader with suggested literacy activities and mathematics activities built on science content, giving a practical context to math concepts. These components are meant to enhance literacy in the science content area, mathematics achievement and cross-curricular connections.
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