NSF FF: Planning: An AI-Augmented Research Case Simulation Platform for High School Research Experiences

Award ID: 2627575

This FINDERS Foundry award increases access to computational life sciences research projects for high school learners. Introducing high school learners to the full research lifecycle supports preparation for postsecondary coursework and for STEM career pathways increasingly characterized by computational and methodological demands. The project creates a open source platform for students to explore research cases. The delivery model removes hardware, licensing, and laboratory-infrastructure requirements, expanding the conditions under which authentic research experiences can be offered and reduces dependence on specialized teacher training and dedicated research mentors. The platform is designed to support future adaptation across STEM disciplines. This FINDERS Foundry award creates an open-access platform of branching research case simulations that guides high school learners through end-to-end computational research projects. This project generates the case schema, branching logic, AI-persona scaffolding specification, and end-to-end worked case required to support that translation. Simulations range from 30-minute mini-cases to multi-week arcs to account for educator needs and time constraints. Embedded AI agents act as guides, asking probing questions at decision points to scaffold learning and surface the learner's reasoning. Real or realistically simulated datasets allow learners to manipulate variables and replicate published analyses. The design is anchored in established frameworks which inform case structure and AI-persona behavior. The case schema is designed to support future adaptation across a wide range of STEM disciplines. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Program Director: Lindsay Portnoy