Key takeaways
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Approachable Tier 1 instruction motivates students to keep learning
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Lessons build foundational math and literacy skills along with science and critical-thinking skills
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Teachers benefit from an intuitive interface, slideshow format lessons, and a range of time-saving tools and supports
What’s New for 2026
Discovery Education is constantly working to improve our programs so that teachers can be even more effective and students can make greater progress. Science Techbook is no exception! For the start of the 2026–2027 school year, we’re launching a brand new program based on feedback from educators and leaders like you. We’ve heard that you want:
- Ways to engage and motivate students each day
- Help building foundational math and literacy skills
- Reduced teacher workload and more instructional impact
How will the new Science Techbook address these priorities? Let’s look at three areas we’re especially excited about: motivating students with approachable Tier 1 instruction, strengthening critical-thinking and core skills, and empowering every educator.
Motivate Students with Approachable Tier 1 Instruction
When learning is engaging, relevant, and developmentally appropriate, that’s a recipe for capturing student interest and motivating them to continue exploring. Science Techbook provides phenomena-driven storylines with hands-on activities and interactives that ask students to take on the role of scientist or engineer. They get to make discoveries by asking questions, investigating, analyzing, and collaborating. These types of authentic, yet accessible, experiences with science content help learners better understand and retain concepts—plus, they’re fun!
Strengthen Critical-Thinking and Core Skills
Phenomena-based instruction in Science Techbook asks students to solve real-world problems, during which they develop their critical-thinking skills. Teachers can extend learning by incorporating STEAM Project and STEAM Careers activities, which help students grasp the how and why behind STEAM and engineering topics (and don’t require extra work from teachers!).
That’s not all phenomena-based instruction can do. It also puts math and literacy practice into context to help students understand and remember. And since Science Techbook lessons naturally incorporate math/ELA standards, teachers can reinforce multiple skills at one time. Here are some examples:
Authentic, Applicable Math
Students collect and analyze data as they conduct hands-on and virtual investigations. They also learn to use mathematical models to explain scientific phenomena.
Lifelong Literacy Skills
Learners complete readings after hands-on experiences that introduce phenomena, so they have context for what they’re reading about. They also have accessible ways to improve their literacy skills with lessons presented in slideshow format and tools such as interactive glossaries and the Immersive Reader. With before, during, and after literacy strategies, teachers can focus on vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and phonics.
Empower Every Educator
Regardless of their background or experience, educators can make an instant impact with Science Techbook’s classroom-ready lessons offering implementation guidance. Slideshow format lessons with hands-on activities and an intuitive interface translate into less time needed for planning and prepping! What’s more, clear time estimates, lesson sequencing, and built-in scaffolds help teachers stay on track and meet instructional goals.
Incorporate Three-Dimensional Learning
Three-dimensional learning aligned to the NGSS is built into Science Techbook: you’ll find science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas in embedded, point-of-use notes and prompts. Plus, discussion prompts throughout lessons offer helpful ideas for getting students to talk about the science they’re doing with peers.
We’ve got an interactive overview of our new program that you can check out.
Would you like to get a more in-depth look at the new Science Techbook? Sign up for our Engage K-12 webinar!
