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VISUAL SCIENCE AND STEM-BASED 6-12 EDUCATION Abstract Visual science encompasses an array of content based on cognitive science, optics, computer science, engineering, and various other disciplines connecting the study and development of natural and man-made visual-based systems and their interactions. Engineering processes are major components of technology education curricula, and engineering itself is predicated on mathematical and scientific concepts, principles and skills. The integration of scientific, technological, and mathematical concepts, with the shared and required engineering processes, skills, and visualization abilities, are the focal points of this investigation. Abilities of students to visualize rotated three-dimensional objects are central to understanding and interpreting scientific, technological, and mathematical visual-based information. Six-12 students’ spatial visualization rotation abilities were assessed. This investigation utilized the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test to assess visual aptitudes prior to the onset of instruction and then again after the completion of instruction while implementing a technology education scientific and technical visualization standards-based curriculum. Student participants experienced high degrees of spatial visualization enhancement measured by the Purdue Spatial Visualization assessment. Further Spatial Visualization data analysis uncovered interesting outcomes. Male scores reflected higher initial spatial visualization achievement than females, indicating that they may develop spatial abilities in earlier stages of mental development. Other similar findings are discussed in the study. Study in engineering, mathematics, science, and technology-based content through scientific and technical visualization standards-based curriculum that applies conceptual and physical modeling, presentations, and data-driven visualizations supports the study and development of visual literacy and visual science in 6-12 educational environments. Investigation based on the visual sciences and their roles in education provide considerable measures of support for visual learning allowing for knowledge and skill expansion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Introduction The use of visual-based systems in modern culture and education is becoming more prevalent, requiring schools to adapt their curricula and instructional practices accordingly. Visual literacy is becoming central to curricular initiatives as society begins to rely heavily on visualization and visual communication strategies 1. Education, aesthetics, communication, ethics, research, and other aspects of learning have placed emphasis on visual science and visual literacy as a response to our increasingly complex, highly visual, and interconnected society 2. Developing instructional materials and methods of instruction that develop visualization abilities, meeting the needs of technology educators, and preparing students for future careers in STEM areas are focal components of new research initiatives. The study of engineering and technology-based content and the application of conceptual modeling, data-driven visualizations, physical modeling, and presentations promote visual literacy. Visual and technical literacy maintain a significant role in successful knowledge and skill development in engineering and technology career paths. Data and information collected from focused investigations is beneficial to pre-engineering education

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Clark, A., & Ernst, J. (2008, June), Visual Science And Stem Based 6 12 Education Paper presented at 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10.18260/1-2--3292