Zydeco Inquiry

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by educators at the University of Michigan, Zydeco Inquiry is a mobile and web-based system designed to scaffold scientific investigations across multiple settings. The platform facilitates inquiry through two primary modules: Zydeco:CollectData for handheld, out-of-classroom multimedia data collection and annotation, and Zydeco:UseData for tablet-based analysis of personal and peer-collected data. The system guides learners through defining research questions, collecting evidence, and synthesizing findings to construct structured scientific explanations, bridging formal and informal learning environments.

Evidence & Research Context

• An evaluation study (N=54 students, aged 11-13) demonstrated that the system's software scaffolds enabled learners to accurately collect, annotate, and utilize large datasets for scientific explanation.
• A qualitative case study (N=4) documented the system's application in a science center, illustrating its utility in connecting formal classroom learning with informal inquiry experiences.
• The system's design is grounded in pedagogical principles for scaffolding authentic inquiry, specifically addressing challenges in multimedia data management and cross-contextual learning between school and museum settings.

Intended Use & Scope

Zydeco Inquiry is a pedagogical tool intended for educators and middle school students to structure scientific inquiry projects in classroom and field settings. Its primary utility is to scaffold the process of data collection, annotation, and analysis. The system facilitates learning scientific practices but does not assess the validity of student-generated conclusions; instructor oversight is required.