AppsFromResearch
Biosphere 2 K-12 icon

Biosphere 2 K-12

University of Arizona
Evidence Tier:VALIDATED

Initial evidence from research studies

For:General Public & EnthusiastsKids & Youth
Free
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

App Summary

Biosphere 2 K-12 is an educational tool for students and teachers that provides a guided exploration of the Biosphere 2 research facility, preparing users to design their own computer-modeled biosphere. An evaluation of the associated on-site educational program indicated that the authentic learning experience resulted in substantial knowledge gains for 5th to 12th grade students. The authors conclude that this approach can enhance student motivation and engagement with environmental and ecological science.

App Screenshots

Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 1 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 2 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 3 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 4 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 5 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 6 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 7 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 8 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 9 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 10 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 11 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 12 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 13 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 14 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 15 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 16 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 17 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 18 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 19 of 20Biosphere 2 K-12 screenshot 20 of 20

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the Biosphere 2 research facility, this educational tool delivers pedagogical content on closed ecological systems. The interface guides students through the scientific principles of the facility, leveraging interactive modules to explain environmental and ecological concepts. A typical session involves exploring a core scientific area, followed by a culminating task where the system facilitates the design of a virtual biosphere using a computer model. The structure supports both self-directed learning and educator-led instruction.

Evidence & Research Context

  • The app's pedagogical framework is informed by an evaluation study of the Biosphere 2 on-site education program involving 5th to 12th grade students.
  • The associated research demonstrated that participation in the authentic learning environment resulted in substantial knowledge gains related to sustainability and ecological science.
  • Analysis identified student motivation as a significant predictor of cognitive achievement within this learning context.
  • The study concluded that the research-based educational approach enhanced student engagement in science.

Intended Use & Scope

This system is designed for K-12 educators and students as a supplementary resource for environmental science and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Its primary utility is to introduce the core principles of ecological research and facilitate conceptual modeling. The app does not replace a formal curriculum and should be integrated within broader instructional strategies.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Effectiveness/Outcome Study

Biosphere 2 as an informal learning platform to assess motivation, fascination, and cognitive achievement for sustainability

Baierl et al. (2021) · Studies in Educational Evaluation

Students showed substantial knowledge gains with motivation and fascination driving learning success.

Educational outreach facilities provide unique opportunities to learn sciences at the forefront of research. An example is Biosphere 2, a site of environmental and ecological research, which is coupled to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Research facilities can evoke the relevance of sciences in everyday life. This is important in secondary schooling to increase students' engagement in sciences, while environmental challenges continue to expand. We therefore examined the role of fascination and motivation on learning with 5th to 12th grade students who participated in a half- to full-day on-site education program. Our data confirmed the construct of fascination through Rasch and factor analysis, revealed substantial knowledge gains, showed effects of motivation and fascination on knowledge scores, and suggested that authentic learning enhanced science engagement. Results further indicated that both instruments measure an analogous construct, while motivation appeared to have more predictive power on cognitive achievement.
... Read More

In the Media

See how Biosphere 2 near Tucson studies environments across the globe

The University of Arizona operates Biosphere 2 as "the world's largest earth science experiment" to study climate change impacts through controlled ecosystem research. Professor Joellen Russell explains that scientists conduct "experiments, not in a little closet or a beaker, but in a whole ecosystem," including desert landscapes, tropical rainforests, and Arizona's only ocean system. The facility serves as a vital testing ground for understanding how invasive species might grow and developing management strategies for Earth's real ecosystems.

12newsRead article

New Biosphere 2 tour app gives K-12 students a deeper look at the science under the glass

The University of Arizona developed the Biosphere 2 K-12 app to provide deeper scientific learning for visiting school groups, incorporating science standards with the uniqueness of the three-acre research facility. "We wanted to create something that was more than just a tour; we also wanted to incorporate science standards — basic biology and earth science — with the uniqueness of Biosphere 2 and the research here," said John Adams, deputy director and chief operating officer. The free app guides visitors through 23 stops featuring videos about the facility's five biomes and allows students to create digital models of their own biospheres.

ArizonaRead article

Biosphere 2 K-12

Free

iOSAndroid