Author: Hailey Mattingly

When I taught science to high school students in Oklahoma, I would often set up my classroom in a way that piqued students’ curiosity as soon as they walked through the door. If we were starting a unit on forensic science, for instance, I might stage a crime scene in the middle of the room,…

In today’s diverse classrooms, ensuring access in science instruction is essential for fostering scientific literacy and success among all students. As educators, it’s our responsibility to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by students from various backgrounds and abilities. Thoughtful and inclusive strategies will support and assist every student in the classroom, not just…

Moving instruction outdoors is something that teachers and students both enjoy. Beyond just providing a welcome change of scenery and a break from the usual routine, research has shown that outdoor learning offers a number of benefits to learners. Benefits of Outdoor Instruction While educators may want to embrace outdoor lessons, the challenge of executing…

FOSS® Pathways™ (PK-5) is an innovative, research-driven science curriculum with the power to transform science education for students in grades Pre-K through 5. Developed at The Lawrence Hall of Science, the program emphasizes hands-on, experience-based learning. This enables students to personally engage in scientific practices and foster a deeper understanding of the world around them. FOSS…

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These four interconnected disciplines drive innovation and understanding in our rapidly evolving world. Emphasizing STEM in education prepares students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are vital in almost every field today. By integrating STEM concepts into the classroom, teachers can spark curiosity and engagement,…

For more than three decades, FOSS® (Full Option Science System™) has enriched student learning through immersive science investigations, fostering active participation and exploration of natural phenomena, and empowering students to construct their own schema of scientific principles. FOSS is developed to be much more than just a science curriculum. FOSS integrates with the concepts of…

The demand for scientific literacy grows each year, and educators are tasked with finding engaging ways to spark curiosity and cultivate understanding among young learners. The core science curriculum is at the foundation of this effort, and the implementation of curricula is a significant task for any school district. At Grand Forks Public Schools in…

As an educator, welcoming students back to school takes preparation. From stocking the science shelves to potential changes in curriculum and lesson plans, getting a head start is helpful. Once the school year starts, trying to squeeze in planning during your lunch period or early in the morning can quickly lead to teacher burnout. Set…

One warm morning, as my husband and I sat on our front porch, we heard an odd, loud, piercing cry. Soon, a medium-sized hawk flew to the top of the house across the street. It was hard to look away, but I decided I had to try to get my camera to capture the moment.…

It’s just a straw. To most people, a simple straw is an ordinary object we see daily. But to a child, simple objects open up a world of scientific investigation and discovery. Engaging with Phenomena Science instruction has a history of students sitting passively at desks, memorizing vocabulary, and trying to absorb lectures from the…