A World In Motion® (AWIM®) logo

A World In Motion® (AWIM®)

by SAE International

This app has not yet been evaluated against our instructional invariants. The analysis below is based on independent research.

Price: Some elements are open-source for all educators. Classroom kits and books are available for purchase. Some funded opportunities exist regionally.Grades: Preschool, Prekindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten +13 moreSubjects: Early Childhood Education, Science, Math +2 more
Preliminary ResearchBased on publicly available information. Not a formal evaluation.

The Bottom Line

Partially. While The Learning Standard has not yet formally evaluated A World In Motion® (AWIM®), its reliance on inquiry-based and project-based learning aligns with established frameworks for deep cognitive engagement in STEM. The physical kits and mentorship model likely provide strong experiential contexts, though specific efficacy data remains pending our review.

Pros

  • Integrates physical, hands-on kits to facilitate experiential learning and spatial reasoning.
  • Employs inquiry-based frameworks that require students to hypothesize and test, deepening cognitive processing.
  • Connects classroom concepts to real-world applications through industry volunteer mentorship.
  • Scaffolds STEM concepts progressively from preschool through twelfth grade.

Cons

  • Relies heavily on educator facilitation and volunteer availability, making implementation quality variable.
  • Lacks automated feedback mechanisms found in digital-first adaptive learning platforms.
  • Physical kits and materials require continuous funding or regional grants to sustain.
  • Has not yet undergone rigorous efficacy evaluation by The Learning Standard.

What Do We Know About A World In Motion® (AWIM®)?

A World In Motion® (AWIM®) utilizes proven project-based learning frameworks to teach STEM, though its ultimate effectiveness depends heavily on how your child's teacher implements the physical materials in the classroom. Unlike digital apps that your child uses independently at home, AWIM® is an instructional program designed for school environments. It pairs physical engineering kits with curriculum guides to teach applied science and math. Your child will likely work in teams to design, build, and test physical models like motorized toy cars or gliders. This approach grounds abstract mathematical and scientific concepts in tangible reality. Learning science shows that when students physically manipulate objects to test hypotheses, they build stronger mental models and retain information longer. The program also incorporates mentorship from industry professionals, which helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and career reality. However, because AWIM® is not a standalone digital product, it lacks built-in assessments or adaptive algorithms to catch individual knowledge gaps. Parents should understand that this is a classroom enrichment tool requiring active teacher facilitation, not a direct-to-consumer software application. Effectiveness will vary based on your local school's resources and instructor training.

How Does A World In Motion® (AWIM®) Work?

A World In Motion® utilizes an inquiry-based, hands-on pedagogical approach where students solve engineering design challenges using physical materials. The program operates primarily through classroom kits that educators deploy to teach specific STEM units. Instead of passively receiving lectures, students are presented with a real-world problem. They work collaboratively to research, design, construct, and test a physical prototype to solve that problem. For example, younger students might explore friction and gravity by building ramps, while older students tackle complex physics by constructing motorized vehicles or coding autonomous rovers. Throughout this process, students collect data, analyze their results, and iterate on their designs. This cycle mirrors the engineering design process and heavily utilizes active learning methodologies. Educators act as facilitators rather than direct instructors, guiding student inquiry and connecting their physical experiments back to core math and science standards. Industry volunteers often join the classroom to provide feedback on student designs and share their professional expertise.

What Do Users Report About A World In Motion® (AWIM®)?

The biggest strength of A World In Motion® is its translation of abstract STEM concepts into tangible, project-based experiences, while its biggest weakness is its reliance on variable teacher facilitation and physical material funding. Experiential learning is a highly effective instructional method; when students physically build and test models, they engage multiple cognitive pathways. This hands-on manipulation reduces cognitive load when learning complex physics or engineering principles. Furthermore, AWIM® excels at fostering collaborative problem-solving, requiring students to articulate their reasoning and negotiate design choices with peers, which solidifies understanding through peer teaching. However, the program faces distinct structural limitations. Without automated retrieval practice or built-in formative assessments, educators must independently identify and correct individual student misconceptions. The absence of adaptive software means the curriculum does not automatically adjust to a struggling student's pace. Additionally, the fidelity of the program depends entirely on the educator's comfort level with STEM instruction and the availability of the physical kits. If an educator lacks training, the inquiry-based model can degrade into simple unstructured play, reducing its instructional efficacy.

Who Might Benefit From A World In Motion® (AWIM®)?

A World In Motion® is best for K-12 classroom educators who want to integrate structured, hands-on engineering challenges into their science and math curriculum. It is ideally suited for schools looking to transition away from rote memorization toward project-based learning. Because the curriculum spans from early childhood through high school, it serves districts aiming for vertical alignment in STEM education. Parents seeking at-home, independent digital practice for their children will not find it here. Instead, AWIM® serves communities and schools that can leverage its physical kits and industry mentorship to make applied science highly collaborative and experiential.

Frequently Asked Questions About A World In Motion® (AWIM®)

Is A World In Motion® (AWIM®) free?

Some digital resources and open-source materials are free for educators, but the core physical classroom kits and accompanying curriculum books require purchase. Because the program relies on tangible engineering materials, there is a recurring cost for schools. However, regional grants, industry sponsorships, and community funding often subsidize these costs for specific districts, making it accessible to a wider demographic. Parents do not pay for this program directly, as it is implemented at the school level.

Is A World In Motion® (AWIM®) good for elementary students?

Yes, the program provides highly effective experiential learning for elementary students. It uses play-based and inquiry-based activities to introduce foundational physics, math, and engineering concepts before students reach advanced grade levels. Rather than using abstract formulas, elementary children build physical models to explore concepts like friction and gravity. This hands-on manipulation is deeply aligned with early childhood cognitive development and effectively builds spatial reasoning skills.

What does A World In Motion® (AWIM®) teach?

The program teaches applied science, mathematics, engineering, and career technical education (CTE). Specific units cover concrete concepts like aerodynamics, structural engineering, and the physics of motion through hands-on model building. More importantly, it explicitly teaches the engineering design process. Students learn how to hypothesize, build prototypes, collect data, analyze failures, and iterate on their designs. This fosters critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills rather than just rote memorization.

Is A World In Motion® (AWIM®) safe for kids?

Yes, it is highly safe. Because it is primarily a physical classroom curriculum facilitated by educators rather than a digital platform, it does not carry the data privacy risks, algorithmic targeting, or screen-time concerns associated with many modern educational apps. All activities are designed for appropriate age groups and occur within a supervised school environment. The physical materials are standard classroom engineering supplies meant for safe, collaborative group work.

How does A World In Motion® (AWIM®) compare to digital STEM apps?

Unlike digital STEM apps that rely on algorithmic personalized learning and screen-based simulations, A World In Motion® (AWIM®) uses physical kits and human collaboration. It trades automated digital feedback for tangible, real-world engineering experience. While digital apps are excellent for independent spaced repetition and drilling math facts, AWIM® excels at teaching applied problem-solving. Students must physically manipulate objects and negotiate with peers, which builds completely different cognitive and social skills than a tablet application.

Has The Learning Standard evaluated A World In Motion® (AWIM®)?

Not yet. A World In Motion® (AWIM®) is currently pending evaluation by our team. Once fully assessed, we will apply our rigorous methodology to determine its exact pedagogical efficacy and update our ratings accordingly. Until we complete this review, we cannot make definitive claims about its statistical impact on student test scores or long-term retention, though its foundation in project-based learning is theoretically sound based on current educational science.

Screenshots

A World In Motion® (AWIM®) screenshot 1A World In Motion® (AWIM®) screenshot 2A World In Motion® (AWIM®) screenshot 3A World In Motion® (AWIM®) screenshot 4

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Details

Pricing
Some elements are open-source for all educators. Classroom kits and books are available for purchase. Some funded opportunities exist regionally.
Platforms
Web Browser
Grade Levels
Preschool, Prekindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
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