Broward County Public Schools
Florida
A snow day in Broward County, Florida is a near-impossible event. But on this particular morning, one peek into a fifth-grade science classroom reveals what looks like, at first glance…a snowball fight. Closer inspection reveals that what’s really sailing around the room are pompoms, followed by ping pong balls, launched from miniature handmade catapults. Students apply different amounts of force before launching, then scramble to measure and record the distance each object has traveled.
Before diving into the day’s science lesson, students already have an understanding about the concept they are about to learn: effects of different forces. Now that the idea has been illustrated, students are ready to dig into further learning with Discovery Education Science Techbook.
A Natural Fit for Broward’s Philosophy
A longtime partner, Broward County has been using Discovery Education since 2010 but just introduced Science Techbook into classrooms last year. The version they adopted is the newest iteration, with an all-new design and pedagogy shaped by feedback from partners like Broward.
Melissa Pariaug, Elementary Science Curriculum Supervisor, and her team of instructional facilitators spend a lot of time in classrooms, so she had a good idea of what would be beneficial. She says they were looking for hands-on activities with minimal materials, slideshow presentations that were easy to follow for teachers, and student workbooks that also acted as science journals.
In addition, Broward follows the 5E model for science instruction: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Science Techbook employs this model, and incorporated the district’s other desired attributes, so it fits well with their educational philosophy.
Engage
Each Science Techbook concept begins with an Engage lesson introducing a phenomenon, such as an epic kids-vs.-adults tug-of-war battle or dropping candy in warm water to observe firsthand the effects of materials science. That moment of curiosity is what drives the inquiry to follow. Once students have witnessed the phenomenon, they begin to make sense of it by writing down and discussing their thoughts.
For Pariaug and her team, this step was essential. “We know from research that if kids can explain a phenomenon in writing, they truly grasp the concept,” she said.
Explore
Students then move on to the Explore lessons, which includes hands-on activities, like the snowball catapults. These moments help students think critically by turning abstract theories into concrete experiences.
Pariaug called out how helpful the activity kits were at this stage, because it meant that teachers don’t have to hunt down materials like paper clips or rubber bands. “The simplicity of it is appealing, because we wanted to make it easy for teachers,” she said. At the end of each activity, students also have an opportunity to analyze the data they’ve collected, allowing them to flex their math muscles, as well as discussion. There are phenomenon check-ins throughout each unit, calling back that curiosity and learning, as well as reading strategies to strengthen literacy skills.
Explore is also the perfect opportunity to deepen student learning through interactives. These standards-aligned virtual labs let students explore scientific phenomena and manipulate variables in safe, simulated environments. (Think a monster truck pull—an activity that could never be replicated in the classroom—to illustrate powerful forces in action!) These activities boost student engagement and improve concept retention by turning passive screentime into active, hands-on scientific inquiry.
Explain
Next step…explain what’s happened! Teachers use slide decks to guide every step of a Science Techbook lesson. Decks include teacher notes with before/during/after reading strategies, multilingual learner support, discussion prompts, differentiation opportunities…and much more.
“The slide decks were a gamechanger for our teachers,” said Pariaug, because it allowed them to lead strong lessons and cut planning time. “Teachers always prefer working with students rather than planning!” In addition, Pariaug noted that the slide decks were helpful for newer teachers and those who may not have a deep understanding of the content.
Elaborate & Evaluate
Elaborate lessons are optional and can be included if time conducive. These lessons include additional opportunities for hands-on activities and research, providing chances for developing deeper skills. For example, teachers, can use these lessons in their ELA classes for additional literacy opportunities with real-world content.
The last step is demonstrating understanding, with Evaluate lessons. One option, “Record It, Perform It, Find It,” allows students to have a choice in how they share what they’ve learned. They might record a short video, perform their learnings, or find answers to posed questions, giving them true ownership over their learning. The second option is a more traditional, computer-scored summative test that gives educators instant data in their assessment dashboard.
From catapults to claim evidence of reasoning, every step of the 5E cycle builds toward one goal: students who don’t just memorize science, but actually understand it.
What Lies Ahead
Year two with Science Techbook is off to a great start in Broward County, with teachers receiving additional training to help them best take advantage of everything the curriculum offers. “Last year, we focused on getting into classrooms and having teachers get comfortable,” said Pariaug. “This year, we’re excited to take it to the next level.”
Along the way, they’ll continue to rely on Discovery Education for support and guidance.
With a full year of implementation behind them and a clear vision for what’s next, Broward County’s science classrooms are proof that when curriculum, training, and partnership come together, students are the ones who benefit most.
Fast Facts
- 211 schools serving 180,000+ students in PreK-12
- Partnered with Discovery Education since 2010
Three Takeaways about Science Techbook in Broward County
- Science Techbook was chosen because it genuinely fit Broward’s existing philosophy. The district had a specific checklist of what they wanted. Techbook matched that list and aligned with the district’s 5E instructional model
- Science Techbook’s 5E structure moves students through a deliberate progression from curiosity to real understanding. Students end up not just memorizing science, but actually understanding it.
- Two features won teachers over in year one: interactives and slide decks. These attributes reduced planning time, engaged students, and helped teachers lead strong lessons.
