Times are displayed in (UTC-05:00) Central Time (US & Canada) Change

26-4 Using Biosensors and Behavioral Observation to Measure Student Cognitive and Emotional Engagement During the Geo Explorer Auburn Mobile Lab Experience

Session: Current Advances in Geoscience Education Research (Posters)

Poster Booth No.: 65

Presenting Author:

Elena Elwell

Authors:

Elwell, Elena Beatriz¹, McNeal, Karen S.², Hawthorne, Timothy³, Lanius, Melinda⁴, Savrda, Amanda⁵

(1) Geosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA, (2) Geosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA, (3) Geosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA, (4) Mathematics and Statistics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA, (5) Geosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn High School: Science, Auburn City Schools, Auburn, AL, USA,

Abstract:

The Geo Explorer Auburn is a new mobile geoscience lab, launching in Fall 2025 for public school use in Alabama and beyond. Highlighting hands-on learning stations like an Augmented Reality Sandbox, Extreme Weather Room, Virtual Reality Terrestrial Biomes, and more, the Geo Explorer Auburn offers an exciting and unique educational experience in STEM. This study aims to evaluate the Geo Explorer Auburn in engaging 3rd-6th-grade students in STEM. Researchers have previously studied student engagement in science classrooms, but there is a lack of knowledge regarding student engagement on mobile labs. Developing a knowledgebase about student engagement on the Geo Explorer Auburn will inform future mobile lab development and active learning practices. The focus of this study is to measure the cognitive and emotional engagement of 3rd-6th-grade students as they interact with the mobile lab and each other, using the triangulation of biometric data (heart rate variance), behavioral observation data, content question scores, and student feedback surveys. The HRV data will be collected using Garmin wristwatches with photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, worn by students during the experience. The BOSS (Behavioral Observation of Students in School) has been modified for this study to incorporate momentary time sampling of four students together at each station in three-minute intervals. Approximately twenty students in rotating groups of four will be in the mobile lab at one time engaging in structured activities at each station. Each station will have associated iPad content questions. At the end of the experience, students will be given an engagement survey to provide feedback. The scores and results from the content questions and surveys will be analyzed alongside the biometric and observation data. The planned study size is one hundred students from various public schools in Alabama. We hypothesize that students' HRV measures will indicate a state of initial excitement in the Geo Explorer Auburn, but that the excitement levels will decrease over time, with temporary increases with each station change. These engagement changes will correlate with changes in student behavioral and cognitive performance on the mobile lab. The desired research outcomes from this work will assist Geo Explorer Auburn curriculum developers and implementers in striking a balance between creating opportunities for student excitement and fun with learning meaningful content in this unique learning environment.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

Using Biosensors and Behavioral Observation to Measure Student Cognitive and Emotional Engagement During the Geo Explorer Auburn Mobile Lab Experience

Description

Session Format: Poster

Presentation Date: 10/19/2025

Presentation Room: HGCC, Hall 1

Poster Booth No.: 65

Author Availability: 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Back to Session