Bibliometric analysis and predictive modeling map the role of artificial intelligence in science education from research trends to classroom integration
摘要
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming science education by enabling adaptive learning, virtual experimentation, and generative applications such as ChatGPT. Yet, research in this area remains fragmented and often descriptive. This study adopts an integrated approach, combining bibliometric analysis, meta-analysis, and predictive modeling, to map the research landscape, synthesize empirical impacts, and forecast future directions of AI in science education. The bibliometric analysis of 3217 studies (2015–2024) identified four major thematic clusters: intelligent tutoring and adaptive learning, virtual and remote laboratories, generative AI and ethics, and teacher professional development. The meta-analysis of 39 empirical studies revealed a significant overall positive effect of AI on science learning outcomes (Hedges’ g = 0.63,