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This paper explores the addition of AI into ChangeMaker K-12, a set of experiences and materials designed to support teacher candidates (TC) in learning to teach engineering design. The ChangeMaker K-12 model and materials consist of four progressive stages: design awareness, design for function, design with empathy, and design for change. This new research explores the introduction of AI assistance into these four stages. 

The silicate (Si) molybdenum blue method was modified by combining oxalate and ascorbic acid into a single reagent and was used for determining Si in sea water samples. The first step of this automated assay protocol was designed to perform either a calibration by a single Si standard prepared in deionized (DI) water, or to dilute samples in the range of 0–160 μM Si to fit into 0–20 μM Si calibration range using a 20 cm flow cell. By designing the assay protocol to function in batch mode, the influence of salinity on calibration was eliminated, thus making the method suitable for analysis of samples collected in the open ocean, coastal areas, or rivers. Reproducibility and accuracy of this method were evaluated by analysis of certified sea water reference materials. Phosphate (P) does not interfere significantly if the Si:P ratio is 4:1 or larger. The limit of detection was 514 nM Si, r.s.d. 2.1 %, sampling frequency 40 s/h, reagent consumption 700 μL/sample, and using deionized water as the carrier solution. 

Informal science learning spaces such as museums have been exploring the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) as a means to connect visitors to places, times, or types of content that are otherwise inaccessible. This proposal reports on a design-based research project conducted at La Brea Tar Pits, an active paleontological dig site located within a city park in the heart of Los Angeles. The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County and the University of Southern California engaged in a research practice partnership to enhance place-based science learning through the design and iterative testing of potential AR exhibits. Results from one implementation show that AR technology increased visitor interest in the park and positive emotions around science content. Significant learning gains and decreases in science misconceptions also occurred for participants. We also give guidance on developing scientifically accurate assets for AR experiences and leading users through a virtual narrative. This presentation offers insights into museum and university partnerships for promoting public understanding of science in informal spaces by leveraging place-based learning through technology-enhanced engagement. https://mw21.museweb.net/proposal/tar-ar-bringing-the-past-to-life-in-place-based-augmented-reality-science-learning/ 

Can Augmented Reality (AR) immersion and interactivity dispel misconceptions and increase public understanding of science? The interdisciplinary team including USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies, the Rossier School of Education and the La Brea Tar Pits Museum, developed two AR engagements, one miniature “tabletop” and one life-sized “field” experience to investigate the differences in AR across qualitatively distinct designs on interactivity and visual immersion. Participants were able to take part in a “virtual active dig site” and discover fossils preserved in the asphalt seep; they were also able to walk amongst Mammoths in a virtual simulation of Los Angeles from 25,000 years ago. Learning goals for the experiences included: how and what types of plants and animals are entrapped in the tar pits; the similarities/differences between the LA ecosystem in the ice age vs. present; and how we use the scientific method of testing ideas with evidence and revising hypotheses. Design considerations made to evaluate the efficacy of achieving learning objectives, and engagement included: interactivity (selection and manipulation); levels of immersion (smartphone vs head-mounted display), aesthetics (high-fidelity vs low-poly 3D-models). Take-aways from pilot and formal user-studies include the ability to achieve strong interest and consistent learning with lower-fidelity AR; strong reactions to large-scale, life-sized events even with lower fidelity models; mini-experiences, large scale, and even 2D posters (control) can be engaging with the right narrative and framing. Further results from the “Pit-91” tabletop study are being analyzed and data collection on the “Field Experience” is set to investigate a life-sized experience. 

Alpine glaciers in the low- and mid-latitudes respond more quickly than large polar ice sheets to changes in temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, humidity, and radiation. Many high-altitude glaciers are monitored by ground observations, aerial photography, and satellite-borne sensors. Regardless of latitude and elevation, nearly all nonpolar glaciers and ice caps are undergoing mass loss, which compromises the records of past climate preserved within them. Almost without exception, the retreat of these ice fields is persistent, and a very important driver is the recent warming of the tropical troposphere and oceans. Here we present data on the decrease in the surface area of four glaciers from low- to mid-latitude mountainous regions: the Andes of Peru and northern Bolivia, equatorial east Africa, equatorial Papua, Indonesia, and the western Tibetan Plateau. Climate records based on oxygen isotopic ratios (δ18O) measured in ice cores drilled from several glaciers in these regions reveal that the records from elevations below ~6000 m above sea level have been substantially modified by seasonal melting and the movement of meltwater through porous upper firn layers. Fortunately, δ18O records recovered from higher altitude sites still contain well-preserved seasonal variations to the surface; however, the projected increase in the rate of atmospheric warming implies that climate records from higher elevation glaciers will eventually also be degraded. A long-term ice core collection program on the Quelccaya ice cap in Peru, Earth’s largest tropical ice cap, illustrates that the deterioration of its climate record is concomitant with the increase in mid-troposphere temperatures. The melting ice and resulting growth of proglacial lakes presents an imminent hazard to nearby communities. The accelerating melting of glaciers, if sustained, ensures the eventual loss of unique and irreplaceable climate histories, as well as profound economic, agricultural, and cultural impacts on local communities. 

Alpine glaciers in the low- and mid-latitudes respond more quickly than large polar ice sheets to changes in temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, humidity, and radiation. Many high-altitude glaciers are monitored by ground observations, aerial photography, and satellite-borne sensors. Regardless of latitude and elevation, nearly all nonpolar glaciers and ice caps are undergoing mass loss, which compromises the records of past climate preserved within them. Almost without exception, the retreat of these ice fields is persistent, and a very important driver is the recent warming of the tropical troposphere and oceans. Here we present data on the decrease in the surface area of four glaciers from low- to mid-latitude mountainous regions: the Andes of Peru and northern Bolivia, equatorial east Africa, equatorial Papua, Indonesia, and the western Tibetan Plateau. Climate records based on oxygen isotopic ratios (δ18O) measured in ice cores drilled from several glaciers in these regions reveal that the records from elevations below ~6000 m above sea level have been substantially modified by seasonal melting and the movement of meltwater through porous upper firn layers. Fortunately, δ18O records recovered from higher altitude sites still contain well-preserved seasonal variations to the surface; however, the projected increase in the rate of atmospheric warming implies that climate records from higher elevation glaciers will eventually also be degraded. A long-term ice core collection program on the Quelccaya ice cap in Peru, Earth’s largest tropical ice cap, illustrates that the deterioration of its climate record is concomitant with the increase in mid-troposphere temperatures. The melting ice and resulting growth of proglacial lakes presents an imminent hazard to nearby communities. The accelerating melting of glaciers, if sustained, ensures the eventual loss of unique and irreplaceable climate histories, as well as profound economic, agricultural, and cultural impacts on local communities. 

Abstract We present the results of a search for gravitational-wave transients associated with core-collapse supernova SN 2023ixf, which was observed in the galaxy Messier 101 via optical emission on 2023 May 19, during the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA 15th Engineering Run. We define a five-day on-source window during which an accompanying gravitational-wave signal may have occurred. No gravitational waves have been identified in data when at least two gravitational-wave observatories were operating, which covered ∼14% of this five-day window. We report the search detection efficiency for various possible gravitational-wave emission models. Considering the distance to M101 (6.7 Mpc), we derive constraints on the gravitational-wave emission mechanism of core-collapse supernovae across a broad frequency spectrum, ranging from 50 Hz to 2 kHz, where we assume the gravitational-wave emission occurred when coincident data are available in the on-source window. Considering an ellipsoid model for a rotating proto-neutron star, our search is sensitive to gravitational-wave energy 1 × 10⁻⁴M_⊙c²and luminosity 2.6 × 10⁻⁴M_⊙c²s⁻¹for a source emitting at 82 Hz. These constraints are around an order of magnitude more stringent than those obtained so far with gravitational-wave data. The constraint on the ellipticity of the proto-neutron star that is formed is as low as 1.08, at frequencies above 1200 Hz, surpassing past results.