We have a growing imperative to support diverse students.
The percentage of students in our schools who fall under an underrepresented category is growing, and educators and their partners, like us, are growing to support these needs!
- NGSS' All Standards, All Students: The NGSS have many recommendations for meeting the needs of all students, and this is an essential part of how the standards have been designed.Read NGSS Appendix D: "All Standards, All Students."
- Initial NGSS testing showing gaps: The first states have released their NGSS assessment data, and they are showing a large gap in performance based on student demographics. Read about CA results or see WA results.
Strategies Tyto Online Uses
We've designed Tyto Online with key strategies for supporting underrepresented students in mind. A few of our key approaches are explained here.
Experience what it's like to actually do science.
Stereotype Busting
We fight back against the stereotype that STEM careers are 'weird' and focused on machines, letting students actually engage in collecting data and "doing" science.
STEM Careers are Creative & Collaborative
We show students how scientists must work together and approach problems in creative ways. They aren't just in a lab by themselves, but out sharing work and winning people over! Read why this is important.
Focusing on "doing" science increases persistence
New research (2019) shows that girls persist longer on difficult science tasks when asked to "do science," rather than "be scientists." View the research.
Diverse representation.
Keep breaking down stereotypes
We ensure we are representative with gender, have a variety of skin tones, and also incorporate global cultures. Research shows that it helps to break down ALL stereotypes. Read more.
Inclusive character customization
The students' characters have a variety of diverse options and are LGBTQ friendly as there are no forced gender/sex stereotypes based on body style chosen.
Connected to the act of doing science in Tyto
These diverse characters, both in the game world and played by the students, are engaging in the acts of doing science successfully throughout the experience.
Shows the social impact of STEM careers.
Why does science matter?
Students are more engaged when they understand that science actually makes a difference, it's not just about asking abstract, theoretical questions. We've designed around storylines that solve real, authentic problems for students to care about. Read more.
Connect to local context
One important aspect of making connections to impact, is making it matter to students. We include several types of ecosystems and practice/enrichment quests to help teachers find topics that matter to their students' lives.
Includes varied ways to show understanding.
The NGSS is literacy-rich, which can be a challenging shift for students. We provide varied ways of showing their learning depending on the content:
Build an Argument from Puzzle Pieces
Rather than having to come up with all the language on their own, scaffold students with argument building they puzzle together with evidence.
Create a Flow Chart Model
Create models simply by connecting notes and submitting charts.
Simulation-Based Tasks
Students can also succeed in a simulation-based challenge, like keeping an ecosystem alive or bringing a temperate planet to life.