Five years ago, the State Board of Education adopted a new framework for K–12 science instruction. Known as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), they will help instill the critical thinking and communication skills that students need for academic success and citizenship in a world fueled by science and technology innovation, especially significant here in Silicon Valley. But teachers often feel they lack sufficient understanding of STEM to teach it.

Drawing on our vast experience with innovative elementary-level science education, CuriOdyssey is in a unique position to assist local educators. We view NGSS as an opportunity to play an important role in helping teachers to deliver critical science instruction that integrates NGSS and broadens our impact in the community while changing our education system for the better.

With partial funding from a Genentech grant, CuriOdyssey began a pilot program with the goal of helping teachers provide students with inquiry-based science education that will improve learning outcomes and help compensate for shortfalls in science education. We believe it is key to work with teachers to help them incorporate science into existing English and math curricula by connecting, modifying and expanding on what they are already doing. The feedback from our first professional learning day was extremely positive. “This is the way professional development should be done,” said Pattie Dullea, principal of LEAD Elementary School. We plan to continue the teacher training program with a focus on developing a STEM curriculum with teacher input, and having our professional educators lend ongoing support to the teachers to increase their comfort, confidence, capacity and competence in delivering NGSS STEM education.