Agora Cyber Charter School Brings Learning to Life with Mystery Science
Success Stories
Agora Cyber Charter School
Pennsylvania
At Agora Cyber Charter School, where students across Pennsylvania learn in a fully virtual environment, sparking curiosity and keeping learners engaged can be challenging, especially with evolving academic standards. But fifth-grade science teacher Krista Kowalok has found a powerful solution in Mystery Science, an engaging, hands-on program that brings science to life through real-world exploration and interactive problem-solving.
New Standards Bring New Challenges
When Pennsylvania introduced its new STEELS science standards, Agora Cyber needed a digital program that not only aligned with the new standards but also supported its virtual learning environment. Agora selected Mystery Science after careful evaluation—a choice that Krista Kowalok welcomed. With 13 years of teaching behind her and a passion for education, she knew Mystery Science would meet her needs, even with the challenge of implementing new standards.
“Not knowing all the new standards or how they should be taught can feel overwhelming,” Krista admits, “but Mystery Science simplifies everything. It makes it easy for teachers like me to use performance tasks and anchor phenomena that support the new PA science standards.”
How Mystery Science Sparks Daily Engagement
Mystery Science is now at the heart of Krista’s fifth-grade science curriculum. Through its integration with ClassLink, Agora’s learning management system, teachers can access and assign content effortlessly.
Krista begins each science lesson with a warm-up question to spark curiosity and discussion. She then uses Mystery Science’s step-by-step videos to expand vocabulary, reinforce concepts, and inspire thought-provoking, student-led conversations.
The program also incorporates Performance Tasks that use a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework to encourage critical thinking and strengthen writing skills. “When I use the graphic organizers in the Performance Tasks, my students write paragraphs with incredible depth,” Krista shares. “Their enthusiasm for science makes all the difference!”
Krista complements Mystery Science with virtual lab demonstrations using Explore Learning Gizmos. This combination of guided instruction and active exploration provides students with a balanced, engaging learning experience.
Shifting from Teacher-Driven to Student-Led Learning
After just a year with Mystery Science, Krista has seen a significant shift from teacher-driven to student-led learning. The program naturally fosters small-group discussions where students eagerly explore new concepts and debate real-world scenarios.
The Future of Virtual Learning is Bright
The success of Mystery Science in Krista’s fifth-grade class has inspired Agora to expand its use into grades k-4, creating a cohesive learning experience for all elementary students at the school. Krista is especially excited about the long-term impact on students’ critical thinking and communication skills. “Science is all about asking questions and searching for answers,” she says. “With Mystery Science, our students are mastering this process and gaining skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”
Krista Kowalok’s experience demonstrates how Mystery Science can significantly enhance virtual learning, all while supporting teachers with intuitive lessons and strong alignment to standards. By focusing on critical skills, collaboration, and high expectations, Agora Cyber Charter School is preparing its students to excel in an increasingly complex—and digital—world.
Krista Kowalok MA. Ed
Agora Cyber Charter School, PA
Krista Kowalok is a 5th grade math and science teacher at Agora Cyber Charter School, where she has taught for 13 years. Krista also has six years of teaching experience in a traditional classroom setting. She really enjoys using her science background and love of learning with her students in the hopes of inspiring them to become lifelong learners!