Interactive data visualizations of Earth’s atmosphere: Effects on student engagement and perceived learning

The Fluid Earth (FE) is an interactive data visualization initially developed for learning about Earth’s atmosphere in informal educational settings. In this study, we tested FE middle school classes to assess student engagement a formal setting. Using quasi-experimental design, students were assigned interact with the website (high interactivity) or prerecorded videos of (low interactivity). Students who used demonstrated greater and perceived than videos, but no differences observed behavioral intentions use future. Results provide preliminary evidence that interface provided more engaging experience videos. Findings suggest interactivity important component science education visualizations, there value creating tools explore geosciences processes concepts. Additional work needed visualization’s impact on content knowledge its applicability diverse groups.