DIIMSA Extreme Vocabulary

The DIIMSA “Extreme Vocabulary” APP (EV-APP) is based on a checking for understanding strategy that is designed for the Digital Generation. The intent of using EV-APP is to allow learners to show from their context of understanding, what they truly know about key concepts, vocabulary, and associated content, while making it engaging for long-term understanding. The EV-APP is designed to increase knowledge and illustrate effective ways for students to experience “out of context” understanding of vocabulary. The basic premise of the EV-APP is to engage learners in connecting science vocabulary to unique authentic visual scenes using the daily scene for review. Learners must then share a new scene with the explanation to the assigned vocabulary in the WORD LIST. Scenes and/or words change daily based on a defined curriculum integration schedule. Doing this provides a way for understanding, ownership and long-term retention of vocabulary.

The EV APP is an outgrowth of a strategy from DIIMSA-EXPERT (DIIMSA Experienced-Based Digital Imagery Content Resource). DIIMSA-EXPERT is a unique digital content repository designed to assist DIIMSA participants as they implement activities, methods, strategies and projects. This online resource uses authentic digital imagery scenes integrated with higher-order questions, vocabulary and crosscutting concepts correlated for grades 5–8 and 9–12. All DIIMSA-EXPERT content was captured and developed by DIIMSA researchers as part of the ongoing research to make science real and relevant.