ASPIRATION: Empowering High School Students with Scientific Literacy and Communications through AI and Mentorship
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| Title: | ASPIRATION: Empowering High School Students with Scientific Literacy and Communications through AI and Mentorship |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Shixia Huang, Guowei Gu, Shin Crystal, Xiao Lin, Sara Adio-Oduola, Alana D. Newell, Zhongcheng Shi, Sophie Zhang, Yuan Yao, Michael Nguyen, Zaniqua Bullock |
| Source: | Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research. 2025 26(4):42-50. |
| Availability: | Institute for STEM Education and Research. P.O. Box 4001, Auburn, AL 36831. Tel: 334-844-3360; Web site: https://www.jstem.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 9 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | High School Students, Primary Sources, Scientific Literacy, Scientific Research, STEM Education, Artificial Intelligence, Program Design, Program Implementation, Program Effectiveness, Science Education, Communication Skills, Science Programs, Mentors, Student Empowerment, Technology Uses in Education, Critical Thinking, Skill Development, Visual Aids, Active Learning, Public Speaking |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas (Houston) |
| DOI: | 10.63504/jstem.v26i4.2738 |
| ISSN: | 1526-2367 1557-5284 |
| Abstract: | Introducing high school students to primary scientific literature in an accessible format fosters early scientific literacy and critical thinking. The AI-guided Scientist-mentored Primary Literature Adaptation for STEMM Education (ASPIRATION) program was developed to teach these skills through the creation of infographics. Over eight weeks, students followed a structured curriculum, learning to analyze research articles, simplify content using artificial intelligence (AI), and craft visually engaging infographics. AI was introduced as a tool to assist with simplification, while students took full responsibility for understanding and synthesizing the material. The program also exposed students to cutting-edge research and technologies, further enriching their experience. The program culminated in a symposium where students presented their work as posters, oral presentations, and lightning talks. By emphasizing creative freedom, accessibility, and scientific accuracy, the program enabled students to enhance their scientific literacy, develop skills in writing, visual communication, and AI use, and build confidence in public speaking. Analyses of pre- and post-program surveys in this report demonstrated improvements in students' scientific literacy, critical thinking, and familiarity with key aspects of scientific research. Notable gains were observed in students' confidence in understanding scientific literature, writing abstracts, and experimental methods, as well as their awareness of STEM career opportunities. The program's hands-on approach and use of AI tools proved effective in enhancing students' skills and preparing them for future STEMM endeavors. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1491184 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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