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CURRICULUM INNOVATION: OPEN SCIENCE + AI FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTION SUPPORT AND SCIENTIFIC ENGAGEMENT

Integrating AI and open science to enhance learning outcomes

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INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

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OPENING & PURPOSE

Course Context and Presenter Role

The course integrates Open Science and AI tools to enhance learning in Principles of Chemistry.

Challenges of Diverse Learners

Students with executive function difficulties and anxiety face challenges in open-ended scientific inquiry.

Curriculum Design Goals

Creating a structured research on-ramp using open science platforms and scaffolded AI to reduce cognitive load.

Inclusive Education Alignment

The approach empowers students and aligns with principles of inclusive education and ethical AI use.

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�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://landmarkcollege-my.sharepoint.com/personal/christinmonroe_landmark_edu/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B68050CFD-B8CB-4E56-A67D-67A28723F45C%7D&file=OCTOPUS_video_outline_11_28_25.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true��This section introduces the presenter’s role and the context of the course, Principles of Chemistry, with a focus on integrating Open Science and AI tools. It explains the challenge faced by students with diverse learning needs, such as executive function difficulties, ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety, which often hinder their ability to engage in open-ended scientific inquiry. The primary goal of the curriculum design is to create a structured on-ramp to authentic research experiences using open science platforms and ethically scaffolded AI support. This approach aims to reduce cognitive load, provide organizational tools, and empower students to participate meaningfully in scientific practices. By framing the purpose clearly, the audience understands the rationale behind the innovation and its alignment with inclusive education principles.��

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CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

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THREE-PART CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Open Science Platforms

Students explore platforms providing access to real scientific datasets, promoting science democratization and engagement.

Research Question Development

Learners develop meaningful research questions and project plans, fostering authentic scientific inquiry skills.

AI Planning Assistance

AI tools assist in breaking down complex tasks, supporting organization, sequencing, and interpretation of data.

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�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://landmarkcollege-my.sharepoint.com/personal/christinmonroe_landmark_edu/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B68050CFD-B8CB-4E56-A67D-67A28723F45C%7D&file=OCTOPUS_video_outline_11_28_25.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true��The curriculum is structured into three interconnected components: (1) Exploration of open science platforms such as Zooniverse, Figshare, Zenodo, and NOAA datasets, which democratize access to real scientific data; (2) Development of a research question and project plan, encouraging students to engage in authentic inquiry; and (3) Use of AI as a planning assistant rather than a writing machine, helping students break complex tasks into manageable steps. This design supports executive function by providing scaffolding for organization, sequencing, and interpretation of data. The overview emphasizes how these components collectively foster scientific engagement and accessibility for learners with diverse cognitive profiles.��

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STUDENT EXAMPLES

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BLACK HOLE HUNTERS (ZOONIVERSE)

Citizen Science Engagement

A student used Zooniverse’s platform to classify gravitational lensing in astrophysics, contributing to research.

AI-Assisted Task Management

AI tools broke complex projects into smaller steps, improving task initiation and confidence without overwhelming them.

Supporting Executive Function

AI scaffolding supports learners’ executive function, enabling engagement with complex science without overwhelm.

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FIGSHARE USABILITY EVALUATION

Exploring Research Repository

Student navigated Figshare’s global repository to understand research data accessibility and usability.

AI-Assisted Task Definition

Used AI tool Goblin Tools to convert vague ideas into clear, actionable tasks for usability evaluation.

Usability Evaluation and UX Recommendations

Assessed usability barriers faced by undergraduate researchers and drafted effective UX improvement suggestions.

Educational Impact

Enhanced scientific literacy and planning skills through integration of research and technology-supported strategies.

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NOAA CO₂ DATASET MODELING

Data Analysis with AI Support

AI tools guided statistical calculations and modeling techniques for analyzing atmospheric CO2 data effectively.

Exploring Environmental Impact

The student used CO2 data modeling to understand personal and broader environmental impacts of carbon emissions.

Critical Thinking and Ethics

Reflection on bias and accuracy in data and AI use highlights ethical considerations and digital literacy in climate science.

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FROG FIND! CITIZEN SCIENCE

Motivation-Driven Learning

Personal interest in amphibians motivated the student to actively engage with Frog Find and explore species presence.

AI-Assisted Research Tools

AI helped brainstorm and identify open-source frog-sound platforms to support effective species detection and analysis.

Fostering Engagement and Autonomy

Accessible research entry points encourage deeper engagement and autonomy in citizen science projects like Frog Find.

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ETHICAL RESISTANCE TO AI

Ethical Choice Against AI

A student opted out of AI use for research due to ethical concerns, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making.

Successful Research Without AI

The student completed the research project successfully using only open science resources, showing AI is not mandatory.

Curriculum Flexibility and Respect

The curriculum supports student agency, allowing ethical resistance to AI and reinforcing its optional use.

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INSIGHTS AND PEDAGOGICAL FRAMEWORK

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THREADING EXAMPLES TOGETHER

Authentic Research Problems

Students chose meaningful research issues that connected to their personal interests and real-world contexts.

AI as Scaffolding Tool

AI supported students’ learning processes by guiding rather than replacing their efforts.

Empowerment through Open Science

Open science platforms enabled learners to contribute to authentic scientific endeavors and fostered scientific identity.

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PEDAGOGICAL FRAMEWORK

Multimodal Learning

Engaging learners through diverse methods including reading, visualization, audio, and interactive simulations enhances understanding.

Accessible Open Science

Open science platforms democratize research participation, making scientific data and projects accessible to all learners.

Ethical AI as Accessibility Tool

AI supports organization and planning ethically, aiding learning without replacing original idea generation.

Universal Design for Learning

UDL principles ensure flexible, predictable, and choice-driven learning environments for inclusivity.

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�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://landmarkcollege-my.sharepoint.com/personal/christinmonroe_landmark_edu/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B68050CFD-B8CB-4E56-A67D-67A28723F45C%7D&file=OCTOPUS_video_outline_11_28_25.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true��The curriculum is grounded in four pillars: (1) Multimodal Learning, offering varied engagement through reading, visualization, audio, and simulations; (2) Open Science as Accessible Research, democratizing participation via platforms like Zooniverse and Figshare; (3) AI as an Accessibility Tool, used ethically for organization and planning rather than idea generation; and (4) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, ensuring flexibility, predictability, and choice. These pillars collectively support inclusivity and authentic scientific practice.��

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OUTCOMES AND CLOSING

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OUTCOMES & REFLECTIONS

Enhanced Student Engagement

The curriculum increased student involvement and led to more meaningful and independent scientific projects.

Reduced Procrastination

AI helped students manage tasks by breaking them into smaller steps, reducing overwhelm and procrastination.

Positive Student Reflection

Students expressed that AI support made tasks approachable, affirming gains in confidence and executive function.

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�---�This slide references information from the following file: https://landmarkcollege-my.sharepoint.com/personal/christinmonroe_landmark_edu/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B68050CFD-B8CB-4E56-A67D-67A28723F45C%7D&file=OCTOPUS_video_outline_11_28_25.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true��The curriculum led to increased student engagement, more meaningful final projects, and independent application of scientific methods. Students reported reduced procrastination and feelings of overwhelm, attributing these improvements to AI’s role in breaking tasks into manageable pieces. A notable student reflection captures this impact: “The AI broke it into pieces I could actually start.” These outcomes affirm the curriculum’s success in promoting executive function and scientific confidence.��

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CLOSING TAKEAWAYS

Open Science Benefits

Open science democratizes research, enabling broader access for undergraduate learners to engage in scientific inquiry.

Ethical AI Support

Ethically used AI supports executive function and task initiation, enhancing productivity and learning outcomes.

Personalized Research Paths

Personalized research pathways foster deeper engagement and strengthen learners’ scientific identity and motivation.

Collaboration and Resources

Encouraging collaboration and resource exploration expands the impact and applicability of these scientific innovations.

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EXAMPLES OF RESOURCES USED

https://www.zooniverse.org/

https://app.blackholefinder.org/

. Bertram, M. G., Sundin, J., Roche, D. G., Sánchez-Tójar, A., Thoré, E. S.J, & Brodin, T. (2023). Open science Current Biology, 33(15), R792-R797. https://doiorg/10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.036

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