# ecoXPT ![Image of pond and forest from virtual world.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/ecolearn/files/banner_ecoxpt.jpg?itok=Xa0i6K7F) Overview Video Resources Project Members ## Overview EcoXPT is an immersive simulation in which students use inquiry to learn how ecosystems work. Students engage in *observation* and *measurement* as they explore a virtual world. They *gather evidence* for what might be going on there. They *collect data* and notice *correlational patterns* in the data. They learn the *techniques used by ecosystems scientists* by conducting *experiments in a virtual lab and in the ecosystem* to reveal its causal dynamics. They integrate their findings with other evidence to build hypotheses. They use an on-line notebook to organize their claims, evidence, and reasoning and an interactive concept map to represent their learning. EcoXPT focuses on grades 6-8 but can be used with other grades. Curriculum materials accompany the simulation. This includes a Teachers’ Guide, 14 lesson plans with PowerPoints to organize and introduce each session, six thinking moves and accompanying videos to help students learn how scientists think, and rubrics. EcoXPT Learning Goals are aligned with the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Cross-Cutting Concepts of the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core Standards. You can download the program and curriculum materials for free at the link under the Resources tab. If you are looking for materials to use for remote teaching, click [here](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/ecolearn/files/using_ecoxpt_during_coronavirus_1.pdf "using_ecoxpt_during_coronavirus.pdf") for information about how you can use EcoXPT remotely. Use this [Quickstart Guide](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/ecolearn/files/ecoxpt_quickstart_guide_for_students_during_coronavirus.pdf "ecoxpt_quickstart_guide_for_students_during_coronavirus.pdf") for your students. If you would like to learn more about EcoXPT before signing in to download materials, click [Link to Deep Seeing Video](https://youtu.be/K9sWI8gTISw) to watch the video for the first session. It introduces the virtual world and the first Thinking Move. Some teachers know EcoMUVE, an earlier program, that also teaches observation, measurement, finding evidence, and noticing patterns. What is the difference between EcoXPT and EcoMUVE? EcoMUVE has a pond and a forest version. EcoXPT incorporates EcoMUVE Pond and goes beyond it by including experimentation and deeper inquiry, so there is no need to teach both. EcoMUVE works well with upper elementary. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant #1416781 to Tina Grotzer and Chris Dede. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. ## Video ### EcoXPT STEM for All Video 2017 This video was featured in the [NSF 2017 STEM For All Video Showcase](http://stemforall2017.videohall.com/presentations/888) and was a “Facilitator's Choice” award winner. ## Resources To access the suite of EcoLearn resources, please visit [ecolearn.projectzerohgse.com.](http://ecolearn.projectzerohgse.com) ## Project Members [### Dr.Chris Dede ](/people/chris-dede)Timothy E. Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies Chris Dede is the Timothy E. Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education (HGSE). His fields of scholarship include emerging technologies, policy, and leadership. In 2007, he was honored by Harvard University as an... ![Chris Dede](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/ecolearn/files/dede_chris.jpg?itok=2AGT0hBY) [### Dr.Tina Grotzer ](/people/tina-grotzer)Principal Research Scientist in Education Tina Grotzer is a Faculty Member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and and Principal Research Scientist at Project Zero. She directs the Causal Learning in a Complex World Lab. Her research focuses on how causal reasoning interacts with... ![Tina Grotzer](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/ecolearn/files/grotzer_tina.jpg?itok=p7JaaqhE) [### Dr.Amy Kamarainen ](/people/amy-kamarainen)Education and Station Coordinator for the Salmon Coast Field Station in British Columbia, Canada Amy Kamarainen is an ecosystem scientist who applies her understanding of ecosystems science and research to the design and evaluation of technologies that aim to support science learning inside and outside of the classroom. She worked as a post-doctoral... ![Amy Kamarainen](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/ecolearn/files/kamarainen_amy.jpg?itok=VIZvaBaY) [### Dr.Shari Metcalf ](/people/shari-metcalf)Project Director Shari Metcalf served as the Project Director of EcoMUVE, EcoMOBILE, EcoXPT and EcoMOD projects at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, directing research on the use of immersive technologies for K-12 ecosystem science. Her research focuses on... ![Shari Metcalf](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/ecolearn/files/metcalf_shari.jpg?itok=gxnVdqOD) [### Emily Gonzalez ](/people/emily-gonzalez)Project Manager Emily Gonzalez joined Project Zero in 2016 while completing her Master’s at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She received her Ed.M. in Mind, Brain, and Education, as well as her B.S. from Wheelock College with a double major in Elementary... ![Emily Gonzalez](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/ecolearn/files/emily_350.png?itok=0OkoKTMc) [### Joseph Reilly ](/people/joseph-reilly)Doctoral Student, Harvard Graduate School of Education Joseph Reilly is a doctoral student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education where he has worked as a research assistant on the EcoMOBILE, EcoXPT, and EcoMOD projects. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Georgetown University and a M.A. in Special... ![Joseph Reilly](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/ecolearn/files/reilly_square.png?itok=jk74R0Kd) [### Dr.Meredith Thompson ](/people/meredith-thompson)Research Scientist, WW/Teaching Systems Lab, MIT Meredith Thompson worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the EcoXPT and EcoMOBILE projects. She holds a BA in chemistry from Cornell University, an MA from Tufts University in science and engineering education, and an EdD from Boston University in... ![Meredith Thompson](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/ecolearn/files/meredith_thompson_350.png?itok=C4psAEoX) [### Shane Tutwiler ](/people/shane-tutwiler)Assistant Professor of Educational Foundations at the University of Rhode Island Shane Tutwiler is an Assistant Professor of Educational Foundations at the University of Rhode Island, and supports data analysis on the EcoXPT project. Shane's work encompasses educational psychology, science education, and educational technology. He... ![Shane Tutweiler](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/ecolearn/files/tutweiler_shane.jpg?itok=dRv4MLuc) [ More arrow\_circle\_right ](/people) ## Publications Download 15 citations download- [BibTeX](/bibcite/export?pager_style=no_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&&content_filter%5B0%5D=1659519&content_filter%5B1%5D=1659514&content_filter%5B2%5D=1659524&content_filter%5B3%5D=1659518&content_filter%5B4%5D=1659521&content_filter%5B5%5D=1475882&content_filter%5B6%5D=1475101&content_filter%5B7%5D=1474596&content_filter%5B8%5D=1474530&content_filter%5B9%5D=1475110&content_filter%5B10%5D=1475109&content_filter%5B11%5D=1475103&content_filter%5B12%5D=1474532&content_filter%5B13%5D=1474522&content_filter%5B14%5D=1472364&&format=bibtex) - [EndNote X3 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=no_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&&content_filter%5B0%5D=1659519&content_filter%5B1%5D=1659514&content_filter%5B2%5D=1659524&content_filter%5B3%5D=1659518&content_filter%5B4%5D=1659521&content_filter%5B5%5D=1475882&content_filter%5B6%5D=1475101&content_filter%5B7%5D=1474596&content_filter%5B8%5D=1474530&content_filter%5B9%5D=1475110&content_filter%5B10%5D=1475109&content_filter%5B11%5D=1475103&content_filter%5B12%5D=1474532&content_filter%5B13%5D=1474522&content_filter%5B14%5D=1472364&&format=endnote8) - [EndNote 7 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=no_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&&content_filter%5B0%5D=1659519&content_filter%5B1%5D=1659514&content_filter%5B2%5D=1659524&content_filter%5B3%5D=1659518&content_filter%5B4%5D=1659521&content_filter%5B5%5D=1475882&content_filter%5B6%5D=1475101&content_filter%5B7%5D=1474596&content_filter%5B8%5D=1474530&content_filter%5B9%5D=1475110&content_filter%5B10%5D=1475109&content_filter%5B11%5D=1475103&content_filter%5B12%5D=1474532&content_filter%5B13%5D=1474522&content_filter%5B14%5D=1472364&&format=endnote7) - [Endnote tagged](/bibcite/export?pager_style=no_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&&content_filter%5B0%5D=1659519&content_filter%5B1%5D=1659514&content_filter%5B2%5D=1659524&content_filter%5B3%5D=1659518&content_filter%5B4%5D=1659521&content_filter%5B5%5D=1475882&content_filter%5B6%5D=1475101&content_filter%5B7%5D=1474596&content_filter%5B8%5D=1474530&content_filter%5B9%5D=1475110&content_filter%5B10%5D=1475109&content_filter%5B11%5D=1475103&content_filter%5B12%5D=1474532&content_filter%5B13%5D=1474522&content_filter%5B14%5D=1472364&&format=tagged) - [Marc](/bibcite/export?pager_style=no_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&&content_filter%5B0%5D=1659519&content_filter%5B1%5D=1659514&content_filter%5B2%5D=1659524&content_filter%5B3%5D=1659518&content_filter%5B4%5D=1659521&content_filter%5B5%5D=1475882&content_filter%5B6%5D=1475101&content_filter%5B7%5D=1474596&content_filter%5B8%5D=1474530&content_filter%5B9%5D=1475110&content_filter%5B10%5D=1475109&content_filter%5B11%5D=1475103&content_filter%5B12%5D=1474532&content_filter%5B13%5D=1474522&content_filter%5B14%5D=1472364&&format=marc) - [PubMedId](/bibcite/export?pager_style=no_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&&content_filter%5B0%5D=1659519&content_filter%5B1%5D=1659514&content_filter%5B2%5D=1659524&content_filter%5B3%5D=1659518&content_filter%5B4%5D=1659521&content_filter%5B5%5D=1475882&content_filter%5B6%5D=1475101&content_filter%5B7%5D=1474596&content_filter%5B8%5D=1474530&content_filter%5B9%5D=1475110&content_filter%5B10%5D=1475109&content_filter%5B11%5D=1475103&content_filter%5B12%5D=1474532&content_filter%5B13%5D=1474522&content_filter%5B14%5D=1472364&&format=pubmed_id) - [RIS](/bibcite/export?pager_style=no_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&&content_filter%5B0%5D=1659519&content_filter%5B1%5D=1659514&content_filter%5B2%5D=1659524&content_filter%5B3%5D=1659518&content_filter%5B4%5D=1659521&content_filter%5B5%5D=1475882&content_filter%5B6%5D=1475101&content_filter%5B7%5D=1474596&content_filter%5B8%5D=1474530&content_filter%5B9%5D=1475110&content_filter%5B10%5D=1475109&content_filter%5B11%5D=1475103&content_filter%5B12%5D=1474532&content_filter%5B13%5D=1474522&content_filter%5B14%5D=1472364&&format=ris) ### 2022 Gonzalez, E., Grotzer, T., McGivney, E., & Reilly, J. (2022). [Details matter: How contrasting design features in two MUVEs impact learning outcomes](/publications/details-matter-how-contrasting-design-features-two-muves-impact-learning). *Technology, Knowledge, and Learning*, *27*(3), 801-821. Gonzalez, E., Grotzer, T., McGivney, E., & Reilly, J. (2022). [Details matter: How contrasting design features in two MUVEs impact learning outcomes](/publications/details-matter-how-contrasting-design-features-two-muves-impact-learning). *Technology, Knowledge, and Learning*, *27*(3), 801-821. Grotzer, T., Gonzalez, E., & McGivney, E. (2022). [Teaching students to grasp complexity in biology education using a “Body of Evidence” approach](/publications/teaching-students-grasp-complexity-biology-education-using-%E2%80%9Cbody-evidence%E2%80%9D-0). In O. Ben-Zvi-Assaraf & M. Knippels (Eds.), *Fostering Understanding of Complex Systems in Biology Education: Pedagogies, Guidelines and Insights from Classroom-based Research* (pp. 171-204). Springer Nature. Grotzer, T., Gonzalez, E., & McGivney, E. (2022). [Teaching students to grasp complexity in biology education using a “Body of Evidence” approach](/publications/teaching-students-grasp-complexity-biology-education-using-%E2%80%9Cbody-evidence%E2%80%9D-0). In O. Ben-Zvi-Assaraf & M. Knippels (Eds.), *Fostering Understanding of Complex Systems in Biology Education: Pedagogies, Guidelines and Insights from Classroom-based Research* (pp. 171-204). Springer Nature. ### 2021 Grotzer, T., Gonzalez, E., & Schibuk, E. (2021). [Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Prediction](/publications/cause-and-effect-mechanism-and-prediction). In J. Nordine & O. Lee (Eds.), *Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthening Science and Engineering Learning* (pp. 89-113). NSTA. Grotzer, T., Gonzalez, E., & Schibuk, E. (2021). [Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Prediction](/publications/cause-and-effect-mechanism-and-prediction). In J. Nordine & O. Lee (Eds.), *Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthening Science and Engineering Learning* (pp. 89-113). NSTA. Kamarainen, A., Grotzer, T., Thompson, M., Sabey, D., & Haag, B. (2021). [Teacher views of experimentation in ecosystem science](/publications/teacher-views-experimentation-ecosystem-science). *Journal of Biological Education*. Kamarainen, A., Grotzer, T., Thompson, M., Sabey, D., & Haag, B. (2021). [Teacher views of experimentation in ecosystem science](/publications/teacher-views-experimentation-ecosystem-science). *Journal of Biological Education*. ### 2020 Reilly, J., McGivney, E., Dede, C., & Grotzer, T. (2020). [Assessing science identity exploration in immersive virtual environments: A mixed methods approach](/publications/assessing-science-identity-exploration-immersive-virtual-environments-mixed). *The Journal of Experimental Education*. Reilly, J., McGivney, E., Dede, C., & Grotzer, T. (2020). [Assessing science identity exploration in immersive virtual environments: A mixed methods approach](/publications/assessing-science-identity-exploration-immersive-virtual-environments-mixed). *The Journal of Experimental Education*. - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1080/00220973.2020.1712313.) - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1080/00220973.2020.1712313.) ### 2019 McGivney, E., Gonzalez, E., Santos, S. D. L., Kamarainen, A., & Grotzer, T. (2019). [Improving understanding of teaching practice for student learning: A holistic measure of fidelity of implementation.](https://clic.gse.harvard.edu/files/clic/files/narst-ecoxptfidelity-4.2.2019.pdf) In *National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) Conference*. McGivney, E., Gonzalez, E., Santos, S. D. L., Kamarainen, A., & Grotzer, T. (2019). [Improving understanding of teaching practice for student learning: A holistic measure of fidelity of implementation.](https://clic.gse.harvard.edu/files/clic/files/narst-ecoxptfidelity-4.2.2019.pdf) In *National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) Conference*. - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://clic.gse.harvard.edu/files/clic/files/narst-ecoxptfidelity-4.2.2019.pdf) - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://clic.gse.harvard.edu/files/clic/files/narst-ecoxptfidelity-4.2.2019.pdf) ### 2018 Grotzer, T., Gonzalez, E., Kamarainen, A., Metcalf, S., & Dede, C. (2018). [Moving from Exploring Patterns to Causal Explanations in Ecosystems Science Reasoning](https://clic.gse.harvard.edu/files/clic/files/moving_from_co-variation_to_causal_explanations_paperfin.pdf). In *National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) Conference*. Grotzer, T., Gonzalez, E., Kamarainen, A., Metcalf, S., & Dede, C. (2018). [Moving from Exploring Patterns to Causal Explanations in Ecosystems Science Reasoning](https://clic.gse.harvard.edu/files/clic/files/moving_from_co-variation_to_causal_explanations_paperfin.pdf). In *National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) Conference*. - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://clic.gse.harvard.edu/files/clic/files/moving_from_co-variation_to_causal_explanations_paperfin.pdf) - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://clic.gse.harvard.edu/files/clic/files/moving_from_co-variation_to_causal_explanations_paperfin.pdf) Metcalf, S., Reilly, J., Kamarainen, A., King, J., Grotzer, T., & Dede, C. (2018). [Supports for deeper learning of inquiry-based ecosystem science in virtual environments: Comparing virtual and physical concept mapping](/publications/supports-deeper-learning-inquiry-based-ecosystem-science-virtual-environments). *Computers in Human Behavior*, *87*, 459-469. Metcalf, S., Reilly, J., Kamarainen, A., King, J., Grotzer, T., & Dede, C. (2018). [Supports for deeper learning of inquiry-based ecosystem science in virtual environments: Comparing virtual and physical concept mapping](/publications/supports-deeper-learning-inquiry-based-ecosystem-science-virtual-environments). *Computers in Human Behavior*, *87*, 459-469. Chen, J., Wang, M., Grotzer, T., & Dede, C. (2018). [Using a three-dimensional thinking graph to support inquiry learning](/publications/using-three-dimensional-thinking-graph-support-inquiry-learning). *Journal for Research in Science Teaching*, *55*(9). Chen, J., Wang, M., Grotzer, T., & Dede, C. (2018). [Using a three-dimensional thinking graph to support inquiry learning](/publications/using-three-dimensional-thinking-graph-support-inquiry-learning). *Journal for Research in Science Teaching*, *55*(9). - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/37678313) - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/37678313) ### 2017 Reilly, J., Kamarainen, A., Metcalf, S., Grotzer, T., Tutwiler, M., & Dede, C. (2017). [Evaluating Middle School Students’ Integration of Variable Data in Scientific Explanations](/publications/evaluating-middle-school-students-integration-variable-data-scientific). In *American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference*. Reilly, J., Kamarainen, A., Metcalf, S., Grotzer, T., Tutwiler, M., & Dede, C. (2017). [Evaluating Middle School Students’ Integration of Variable Data in Scientific Explanations](/publications/evaluating-middle-school-students-integration-variable-data-scientific). In *American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference*. Metcalf, S., Kamarainen, A., King, J., Grotzer, T., & Dede, C. (2017). [Inquiry-Based Ecosystem Science Learning in Virtual Environments - Comparing Virtual and Physical Concept Mapping](/publications/inquiry-based-ecosystem-science-learning-virtual-environments-comparing). In *National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) Conference*. Metcalf, S., Kamarainen, A., King, J., Grotzer, T., & Dede, C. (2017). [Inquiry-Based Ecosystem Science Learning in Virtual Environments - Comparing Virtual and Physical Concept Mapping](/publications/inquiry-based-ecosystem-science-learning-virtual-environments-comparing). In *National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) Conference*. Dede, C., Grotzer, T., Metcalf, S., Kamarainen, A., & Tutwiler, M. (2017). [EcoXPT: Learning through Experimentation in an Immersive Virtual Ecosystem](/publications/ecoxpt-learning-through-experimentation-immersive-virtual-ecosystem). In *American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference*. Dede, C., Grotzer, T., Metcalf, S., Kamarainen, A., & Tutwiler, M. (2017). [EcoXPT: Learning through Experimentation in an Immersive Virtual Ecosystem](/publications/ecoxpt-learning-through-experimentation-immersive-virtual-ecosystem). In *American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference*. Chen, J., Wang, M., Grotzer, T., & Dede, C. (2017). [Design of a Three-Dimensional Cognitive Mapping Approach to Support Inquiry Learning](/publications/design-three-dimensional-cognitive-mapping-approach-support-inquiry-learning). *Educational Technology & Society*, *20*(4), 191-204. Chen, J., Wang, M., Grotzer, T., & Dede, C. (2017). [Design of a Three-Dimensional Cognitive Mapping Approach to Support Inquiry Learning](/publications/design-three-dimensional-cognitive-mapping-approach-support-inquiry-learning). *Educational Technology & Society*, *20*(4), 191-204. Dede, C., Grotzer, T., Kamarainen, A., & Metcalf, S. (2017). [EcoXPT: Designing for Deeper Learning through Experimentation in an Immersive Virtual Ecosystem.](/publications/ecoxpt-designing-deeper-learning-through-experimentation-immersive-virtual) *Educational Technology & Society*. Dede, C., Grotzer, T., Kamarainen, A., & Metcalf, S. (2017). [EcoXPT: Designing for Deeper Learning through Experimentation in an Immersive Virtual Ecosystem.](/publications/ecoxpt-designing-deeper-learning-through-experimentation-immersive-virtual) *Educational Technology & Society*. Dede, C., Grotzer, T., Kamarainen, A., & Metcalf, S. (2017). [Journal Article EcoXPT: Designing for Deeper Learning through Experimentation in an Immersive Virtual Ecosystem](/publications/journal-article-ecoxpt-designing-deeper-learning-through-experimentation-immersive). *Journal of Educational Technology & Society* , *20*(4), 166-178. Dede, C., Grotzer, T., Kamarainen, A., & Metcalf, S. (2017). [Journal Article EcoXPT: Designing for Deeper Learning through Experimentation in an Immersive Virtual Ecosystem](/publications/journal-article-ecoxpt-designing-deeper-learning-through-experimentation-immersive). *Journal of Educational Technology & Society* , *20*(4), 166-178. - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:37231211) - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:37231211) ![Images of Thinking Move Posters](/sites/g/files/omnuum4961/files/ecolearn/files/long_poster.png)