Press Release Archives

Superintendent Arntzen Announces New Partnership Bringing Dynamic Digital Tools and Resources to Students Statewide

Posted on June 1, 2023 · Updated on June 1, 2023 by Grace Maliska

This press release was originally distributed by the Montana Office of Public Instruction. You can find the Department’s online version here.

HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen today announced a new partnership with Discovery Education, a worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital resources support instruction wherever it takes place. Through this multi-year partnership, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is providing all 402 public school districts statewide access to a curated collection of high-quality, grade-level appropriate, digital content aligned to Montana’s rigorous K-12 Content Standards.

This partnership is funded through the federal COVID relief Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds and supports core instruction across Montana. In addition, this collaboration supports:

the state’s workforce readiness
rural education
Native American tribal history and culture
parent and family engagement initiatives

Montana School Superintendents can activate their school district’s Discovery Education account by visiting this website.

“This partnership grows student learning both in and out of the classroom,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “The parental and family engagement aspect of Discovery Education will strengthen our Montana students’ success. I encourage all of our schools to take advantage of this great teaching and learning opportunity.”

The dynamic digital content now available to Montana’s teachers, students, and families is delivered through Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content and professional learning resources, Discovery Education facilitates engaging, daily instruction in any environment. These resources, sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards, and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day. Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.

As part of this new partnership, Montana’s educators will also receive ongoing professional learning designed to help them realize the return on the state’s edtech investment. In addition, the state’s educators will also receive the support of the Discovery Education Network. This global community of education professionals connects members in school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.

“Discovery Education is excited to support the state of Montana’s efforts to provide all teachers and parents the tools and resources needed to put students first,” said Coni Rechner, Discovery Education’s Senior Vice President of State & Strategic Partnership. “Superintendent Arntzen and her talented team have created an innovative vision for education in the Big Sky state, and Discovery Education is proud to support their efforts.”

Montana school leaders interested in learning more about the resources available through this partnership can visit Discovery Education’s Montana state partnership website for more details.

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The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, at 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.

Contacts:
Brian O’Leary
Montana Office of Public Instruction
Email: brian.o’leary@mt.gov

Stephen Wakefield
Discovery Education
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

Minnesota’s Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Public Schools’ New Partnership Powers the Creation of Dynamic Digital Learning Environments Supporting Science Education

Posted on May 31, 2023 · Updated on May 31, 2023 by Grace Maliska

Charlotte, NC (Wednesday, May 31, 2023) – Minnesota’s Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Public Schools (GFW) today announced a new partnership with Discovery Education supporting the creation of engaging science lessons in K-12 classrooms districtwide. In this new multi-year collaboration, educators in every GFW school will integrate Discovery Education’s suite of innovative digital resources into instruction to create dynamic learning experiences that will awaken students’ natural curiosity about science and the natural world. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.

Nestled in the prairie of south-central Minnesota and serving students from the communities of Gibbon, Fairfax, Winthrop, and surrounding townships, GFW uses progressive technology applications to access educational resources from around the world. Parents cite small class sizes, school-aged childcare, early childhood programs, and co-curricular programs as the desirable features of the school district. With a mission to grow future world-class leaders, GFW aims to provide all learners an equitable and quality education that meets the individual needs of students with future-forward instruction.

As part of its continuous effort to prepare students for success beyond graduation, GFW sought digital resources that would drive deeper engagement in science. These resources needed to be simple to use, accessible for all teachers and students, easily integrated into the district’s robust science program, and aligned to Minnesota state and NGSS standards.

Following a careful review of potential solutions, GFW selected Discovery Education to provide their district the dynamic digital resources needed. Among the resources coming to GFW schools are:  

Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction in any environment. These resources, sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day.  Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.  

Pivot Interactives. Pivot, which joined the Discovery Education family of services in 2022, makes teaching science with active learning and scientific phenomena engaging and easy. Launched in 2012 by two visionary educators, the platform provides users with more than 10,000 authentic, interactive video-based science interactives crafted by Pivot’s expert curriculum team and teacher community. These resources, tied to state and national standards, are infused with research-based teaching practices and are simple to integrate throughout the instructional cycle.  

Discovery Education Science Techbooks. The Discovery Education Science Techbook series is a comprehensive, research-backed science solution for grades K-12. Used in classrooms across the United States, the Science Techbooks for elementary students drives engagement with exclusive, interactive digital content and companion printed resources. The virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities, and instructional supports within Techbook enhance the delivery of impactful, blended instruction, in person or at a distance. Available with the Science Techbooks are coordinated teacher guides offering unit, concept, and lesson overviews, standards connections, and differentiation activities that inform instructional planning and guide three-dimensional learning. Teacher editions also provide flexible pacing options, embedded teacher notes, and pathways for learning that support diverse learners.  

“At GFW, we work to ensure all students can reach their full potential and become successful, responsible citizens in a diverse society with innovative technology and strong teacher support,” said Superintendent Dr. Jeff Horton. “This new partnership with Discovery Education supports all educators as they engage students in our science curriculum.” 

In addition to digital resources, all GFW educators using Discovery Education services will receive dedicated professional development from Discovery Education’s team of professional learning experts. These learning opportunities for teachers help school systems recognize the full return on their edtech investment. Through these interactive professional development sessions, participants will learn best practices for integrating their new digital resources into instruction. Effective professional development maximizes the power of these resources, increases student engagement in learning, and supports the continued academic development of all students.

All GFW educators now also enjoy access to the Discovery Educator Network. A global network of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration. 

“We at Discovery Education are thrilled to partner with GFW Public Schools to provide an equitable and quality education to all students,” said Katelin Greer, Discovery Education’s National Partnerships Coordinator. “The district’s thoughtful use of available funding is already being emulated across the region, and we look forward to supporting this important initiative as it unfolds.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources—which can be purchased with federal stimulus funds—and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts
Stephen Wakefield
Discovery Education
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

3M and Discovery Education Name 10 Grant Recipients Supporting Nation’s Young Scientists

Posted on May 24, 2023 · Updated on May 24, 2023 by Grace Maliska

St. Paul, Minn. and Charlotte, NC. (Wednesday, May 24, 2023) – 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 10 recipients of the inaugural 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network Alumni Grants Program. Launched in 2023, the program supports past participants and future scientists as part of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist).

As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for a mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” The new Alumni Network and Alumni Grants Program offers previous participants networking opportunities, resources, events, and funding for existing science projects. Former finalists must be registered members of the 3M Young Scientist Alumni Network to apply.

The Alumni Grants Program awarded a total of $25,000 in funding to ten 3M Young Scientist Challenge alumni. The 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Grants Program recipients across three funding areas are as follows:

Braeden Benedict is a 26-year-old from Missouri and a 2011 finalist. Braeden received $1,000 for the project The Health Career Collaborative at Washington University in St. Louis that provides mentorship, engaging health curriculum, and exposure to health careers to high school students from low-income, underrepresented minority communities.
Leanne Fan is a 15-year-old from California and 2022 America’s Top Young Scientist & Grand Prize winner. Leanne received $1,000 for the project Teaching Science to Kids Through Expos! that introduces young students to science.
Reshma Kosaraju is a 17-year-old from California and a 2019 finalist & Improving Lives Award Winner. Reshma received $1,000 for the project Eco Quest: An environmental conservation board game that teaches students about climate change.
Kathryn Lampo is a 20-year-old from Colorado and a 2017 finalist. Kathryn received $1,000 for the project NYC Model Rocketry Initiative that makes space science and engineering accessible to underserved middle schoolers across New York City through engaging STEM resources.
Viraj Pandey is a 14-year-old from California and a 2021 finalist. Viraj received $2,500 for the project Enhancing Crop Yields and Minimizing Crop Diseases Using Graphene Quantum Dots to Combat Overpopulation and Adverse Climate Changes that will help sustainably increase crop yield.
Sarah Park is a 15-year-old from Florida and a 2021 America’s Top Young Scientist & Grand Prize winner. Sarah received $5,000 for the project Spark Care+: Personalized Music Therapy App using a Mobile and AI that provides accessible and affordable music therapy for emotional wellbeing.
Samvrit Rao is a 15-year-old from Virginia and a 2020 finalist. Samvrit received $1,000 for the project STEMForU Innovation Bootcamps that inspires underrepresented minorities to pursue STEM by providing innovative learning experiences and resources to help develop STEM critical thinking skills.
Moitri Santra is a 13-year-old from Florida and a 2021 finalist. Harini received $2,500 for the project Novel Phyto-Nano Drug Delivery System that investigates the potential of medicinal phytochemicals at the nano-scale for reducing adverse drug reactions.
Daniel Thomas is a 15-year-old from Texas and a 2022 finalist. Daniel received $5,000 for the project ClearWTR Portable: A Novel Water Disinfection and Purification Device that creates safe and clean drinking water.
Harini Venkatesh is a 15-year-old from New Hampshire and a 2022 Improving Lives Award Winner & finalist. Harini received $5,000 for the project The Comptometrist: A Novel Method to Efficiently and Effectively Calculate Optical Power Current that calculates eye prescriptions.

Learn more about the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network Alumni Grants Program recipients here.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to see how the 3M Young Scientist Challenge alumni have continued their scientific innovations,” said John P. Banovetz, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Environmental Responsibility at 3M. “Congratulations to each of the recipients of the inaugural alumni grants program! 3M is proud to support these inspiring students as they apply their passion for science to make the world a better place.”

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network brings together a growing community of former Challenge finalists and mentors to connect over shared experiences, celebrate, and promote innovations and STEM as a whole. America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named Time Magazine’s first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and more.

“The new Alumni program is designed to nurture growth and support ongoing science opportunities for prior participants as they tap into a network of innovators. These are innovative ideas that will change the world and we could not be prouder,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education.

The award-winning 3M Young Scientist Challenge supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program – Young Scientist Lab – which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available through the Young Scientist Lab Channel and in the Social Impact Partnerships channel on Discovery Education’s recently enhanced K-12 learning platform.

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About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news or on Twitter at @3M or @3MNews.

Contacts
Robert Brittain | 3M | rbrittain@mmm.com
Grace Maliska | Discovery Education | gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

Discovery Education’s K-12 Learning Platform Named Best Digital Tool for 2023 by the American Association of School Librarians

Posted on May 23, 2023 · Updated on May 23, 2023 by Grace Maliska

Charlotte, NC (Tuesday, May 23, 2023) – Discovery Education has been named as the Best Digital Tool for Teaching and Learning in 2023 American Association of School Librarians (AASL). AASL’s list of Best Digital Tools highlights resources that provide opportunities for school librarians to enhance learning, engage learners, and collaborate with educators. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.

AASL’s Best Digital Tools program honors digital tools that foster innovation and collaboration, encourage exploration and participation, are user-friendly, and offer information and references. The technology resources are also evaluated for their application of AASL’s National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.

“School librarians have always been leaders in using technology to enhance teaching and learning in their schools. Their leadership in technology was especially important and evident during the pandemic and continues as we move forward,” said AASL President Kathy Lester. “I look forward each year to sharing the new AASL Best Digital Tools with colleagues and students. This year’s list is another example of wonderful resources and tools across grades, interests, and needs.”

Among the tools honored in 2023 was Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction in any environment. These resources, sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards, and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day.  Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.  

“Thank you to librarians across the United States for selecting the Discovery Education K-12 learning platform as Best Digital Tool for Teaching and Learning in 2023!” said Pete Weir, Chief Product Officer at Discovery Education. “We are grateful for this recognition and thankful for the opportunity to provide librarians across the country the best-in-class digital resources they need to facilitate learning in the library and beyond.”

Learn more about the 2023 AASL Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning Awards and the other winners here.

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Contacts
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

Professional Development Resources from Discovery Education to Support Educators All Summer Long

Posted on May 22, 2023 · Updated on May 22, 2023 by Grace Maliska

Charlotte, NC (Monday, May 22, 2023) — To help educators prepare for the next school year with the latest and best practices in teaching, Discovery Education presents a curated collection of professional development resources covering an array of topic areas. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.

Discovery Education’s dynamic professional learning strengthens teachers’ use of digital resources to improve student engagement and address the needs of the whole child. Users of the award-winning Discovery Education K-12 learning platform have access to the Professional Learning NOW channel. The collection features short and convenient microlearnings connecting educators to professional development sessions spanning topics such as best practices in teaching and learning, English Language Learners, Health, and Wellness, STEM, and more. Each microlearning provides a 3-5 minute burst of personalized, guided learning that seamlessly fits into a busy schedule.

“Discovery Education has given me professional learning that challenges me and gives me confidence. Discovery Education has changed my life professionally and I am a better educator because of my network,” said Abigail Schiferl, a Middle School Technology Teacher in South Carolina.

In addition, Discovery Education offers educators nationwide free professional learning resources created in collaboration with social impact partners across various topics, including:

Literacy
Discover new ways to teach literacy essentials in this series of microlearnings from Discover Literacy – a program with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the National AfterSchool Association. Educators can create everyday connections to the five foundational keys of literacy with on-the-go microlearnings and flexible instructional support. These hands-on resources provide an explicit, systematic approach to instruction and opportunities to practice applying new skills.

STEM
Data is a critical element—used across all professions—to solve problems and innovate solutions, and Discover Data is a library of resources that connect educators across subjects with real-world data that can be used to support a variety of classroom concepts and subjects. In the program’s new two-part Master Class series, educators learn how they can leverage data in the classroom to drive meaningful student discussions and bridge diverse topic areas. Accompanying educator guides, editable presentations and an on-demand webinar take the learning further. This series is from Discover Data—a data literacy initiative powered by the Nielsen Foundation in collaboration with Discovery Education and the National AfterSchool Association.

Most U.S. high schools do not currently offer biotechnology classes, limiting students’ ability to gain the skills and experiences necessary for careers in science and medicine. To support educators looking to infuse biotechnology into their teaching practice, Futurelab+, developed in partnership with Genentech, offers a comprehensive, two-year curriculum that includes hands-on labs, interactive resources, and career exploration tools. One of those tools, the Master Class series, provides a multi-faceted look at how three unique educators have brought biotechnology into the classroom. Through the series, educators can discover how to apply biotechnology principles in diverse learning environments using a simple framework to develop instructional practices.

Health and Wellness
Deepen educator support around health and wellness in a variety of learning environments with professional learning resources. A network of partners committed to bringing important mental health resources into core instruction, this coalition supports educators and students nationwide.

Create teaching strategies that incorporate support for students’ mental health with on-demand e-learning modules. Designed in collaboration with Ready, Set, RISE! – an educational initiative with Kaiser Permanente and an Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation) – these resources help create student-centered and trauma-informed learning environments.

Finally, with a Master Class series from Amazing Me – a program with the Dove Self-Esteem Project – educators can gain the skills they can use to encourage kindness and open communication in their classrooms that reduces weight-based bullying and instilling body confidence. The series is hosted by Marisol Perez, a clinical psychologist and researcher at Arizona State University and The Institute for Research and Education Advancing Children’s Health (REACH).

“As a former educator, and a lifelong learner, I know first-hand how important professional development is,” said Lance Rougeux, Discovery Education’s Senior Vice President of Curriculum Instruction and Student Engagement. “At Discovery Education, we work to ensure educators have exactly what they need to keep their teaching skills sharp as to best engage students for lifelong success.”

The Discovery Educator Network (DEN) Community offers educators one of the most thriving professional learning networks in the world. As a global network of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration. 

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Contacts
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

Discovery Education, Caterpillar Foundation, and Learning Undefeated Launch New Initiative to Inspire Next Generation of STEM Professionals

Posted on May 19, 2023 · Updated on May 19, 2023 by Grace Maliska

Innovation at Play offers digital resources to make learning fun for 9–12 grade students

Charlotte, NC (Friday, May 19, 2023) – Discovery Education, the Caterpillar Foundation, and Learning Undefeated today announced the launch of a new education initiative – Innovation at Play. This unique program leverages the power of play by using engaging, hands-on digital resources to educate and inspire students in grades 9-12 to consider exciting careers in a variety of STEM professions.

Innovation at Play provides standards-aligned digital resources that make it easier than ever for educators, after-school instructors, and parents to connect STEM concepts to potential career pathways. Classroom activities, play-inspired lessons, and phenomena-based videos exemplify how curiosity drives STEM solutions while empowering students to learn by doing and seeing. The content will equip students with the right skills and knowledge to pursue STEM careers at home, in the classroom, or wherever learning takes place.

“The future STEM innovators are sitting in classrooms all across the country. No matter where they are, Innovation at Play will empower students to connect their STEM curiosity with STEM skills to solve problems and secure careers,” said Asha Varghese, Caterpillar Foundation President.

Innovation at Play sources STEM creativity and stories from industry experts at Learning Undefeated who have an extensive history of innovation, insights, and leadership. The non-profit is a long-standing partner of Discovery Education.

“Innovation at Play connects students to the innate power of play and the power of STEM, in order to change the world,” said Jennifer Colvin, Chief Innovation Officer at Learning Undefeated. “When students have a fun, hands-on learning experience, it brings them one step closer to imagining a career path that involves STEM.”

Learn more about Innovation at Play at InnovationatPlay.com or within Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides educators with an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction.

“Students are naturally creative and curious, using play as a universal language. Innovation at Play puts fun at the center, empowering students to explore, problem-solve, and engage in authentic STEM experiences in ways most relevant to them,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education.

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About the Caterpillar Foundation
Founded in 1952, Caterpillar’s philanthropic organization, the Caterpillar Foundation, has contributed more than $850 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by building resilient communities that thrive in a rapidly changing world. To learn more about the global impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, visit caterpillar.com/foundation. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

About Learning Undefeated
Learning Undefeated is driving race and gender equity in STEM through experiential and deep-impact learning experiences for students from under resourced communities. Best known for its fleet of traveling STEM laboratories, Learning Undefeated’s flagship STEM education program has prepared more than 1.5 million K-12 students for STEM careers since 2003, through hands-on content exploration, game-based learning, summer camps, and talent development programs. In 2022, Learning Undefeated’s shipping container based Drop Anywhere Lab won the Best of STEM Awards in the Social Impact: Promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category. Learning Undefeated also operates several other celebrated STEM education programs including custom curriculum development and STEM disaster recovery education. Visit learningundefeated.org or follow us on social media @LearningUNDFTD.

Contacts
Jamie Cecil-Monari
Caterpillar Foundation
CecilMonari_Jamie@cat.com

Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

Georgia’s Glynn County Schools Renews Multiyear Partnership Supporting Science Instruction in K-5 Classrooms Districtwide

Posted on May 16, 2023 · Updated on May 16, 2023 by Grace Maliska

Charlotte, NC (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)—Georgia’s Glynn County Schools (GCS) today announced the renewal of its multiyear partnership with Discovery Education supporting the district’s youngest learners. The renewal of this partnership ensures students and teachers in the district’s K-5 classrooms will continue to use the company’s award-winning Mystery Science service to explore the natural world and more deeply engage in science instruction. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports instruction wherever it takes place.

Located in Southeastern Georgia, Glynn County Schools’ dedicated staff of more than 3,600 professionals serves more than 12,000 students in 21 schools. Driven by their vision to create 21st century learning environments that offer opportunities for all students to pursue higher education and develop skills that meet workforce needs while producing informed, conscientious, and productive citizens who give back to their community, GCSS fosters a culture of continuous assessment and improvement.

This year, following a careful review of the district’s usage and success with the Mystery Science service, school administrators elected to renew the partnership with Discovery Education that brings Mystery Science to GCSS’s K-5 students. By doing so, the district will continue to create hands-on instructional experiences that engage students and build their capacity for success for both the remainder of their career at GCSS and beyond.

Mystery Science, which joined the family of Discovery Education services in 2020 and has won SIIA’s Best Science Instructional Solution CODiE award for Grades PK – 8, provides K-5 educators simple to use, open-and-go, hands-on lessons that inspire students to love science. Each lesson begins by posing a question commonly asked by young students. Students then explore these questions through interactive videos featuring real-world visuals fostering a sense of wonder and actively supporting student engagement in the accompanying discussion prompts.

Then, students participate in easy to prepare hands-on labs that use simple science supplies commonly found in classrooms or at home. Mystery Science contains everything teachers need to get students engaged in hands-on science and make that subject the best class of the day.

Mystery Science simplifies prep for teachers, making the integration of this resource into classroom instruction simple. Plus, all K-5 science lessons are now available in Spanish, with accompanying videos featuring authentic Spanish narration and Spanish text-on-screen (for discussion questions, vocabulary words, and step-by-step instructions). Editable, ready-to-use worksheets and assessments are also available in both English and Spanish. In addition to Mystery Science, GCS’ educators will continue using Discovery Education’s Science Techbooks to support science instruction.

“We recognize and value the importance of cultivating curiosity and discovery in our students from the moment they step into our schools,” said GCS K-12 Science Coordinator Kristen Lipthratt, Ed.S. “ We are thrilled to continue partnering with Mystery Science to ensure our teachers’ ability to create access to powerful digital learning experiences that engage students in the wonderful world of science.”

Also, all GCSS educators enjoy access to the Discovery Education Community. A global network of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.

“Discovery Education is proud to renew its collaboration with Glynn County Schools,” said Leketa Schilling, Discovery Education’s Mystery Science District Partnership Manager. “Glynn County’s Science teachers are creating innovative learning environments that excite young learners about the natural world and we are excited to be supporting their work.”

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Contact
Stephen Wakefield
Discovery Education
Phone: 202-316-6615
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

Illinois’ Geneva School District 304 Renews Longterm Partnership with Discovery Education Supporting Science Education in Grades K-5

Posted on May 9, 2023 · Updated on May 9, 2023 by Grace Maliska

Charlotte, NC (Tuesday, May 9, 2023)—Illinois’ Geneva School District 304 (Geneva CUSD 304) today announced it has renewed its multi-year partnership with Discovery Education supporting science education in grades K-5 through the year 2026. This continued collaboration ensures K-5 students and teachers districtwide will continue enjoying access to Discovery Education’s award-winning Mystery Science service, which is helping drive deeper engagement in science instruction. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports instruction wherever it takes place.

Each day, Geneva CUSD 304’s teachers, administrators, and staff seek to educate the nearly 5,500 students they serve within an environment that encourages the desire to learn and meets the unique academic, personal, physical, and social needs of each child. In 2016, district educators selected Mystery Science to support hands-on elementary science instruction and foster within each student a love of science. Today, Mystery Science continues to fulfill that mission as it helps district students develop into complex, creative thinkers.

Mystery Science, which joined the family of Discovery Education services in 2020 and is a winner of SIIA’s Best Science Instructional Solution CODiE Award for Grades PK-8 , provides K-5 educators simple-to-use, open-and-go, hands-on lessons that inspire students to love science. Each lesson begins by posing a question commonly asked by young students. Students then explore these questions through interactive videos featuring real-world visuals fostering a sense of wonder and actively supporting student engagement in the accompanying discussion prompts.

Then, students participate in easy-to-prepare hands-on labs that use simple science supplies commonly found in classrooms or at home. The NGSS-aligned Mystery Science contains everything teachers need to get students engaged in hands-on science and make that subject the best class of the day.

Mystery Science simplifies prep for teachers, making the integration of this resource into classroom instruction simple. Plus, all K-5 science lessons are now available in Spanish, with the accompanying videos featuring authentic Spanish narration and Spanish text-on-screen (for discussion questions, vocabulary words, and step-by-step instructions). Editable ready-to-use worksheets and assessments are also available in both English and Spanish.

“In reviewing the data for this digital service, we found that Mystery Science is popular with teachers,” said Geneva CUSD 304’s Learning & Teaching Facilitator Jill Marsh. “However, the data only tells part of the story. If you walk into a classroom using this service to teach a science lesson, you will see a room of engaged, smiling students who are learning to love science. We are pleased to continue this valuable, long-term partnership.”

All Geneva CUSD 304 educators enjoy access to the Discovery Educator Network as they transform students’ learning experiences with dynamic digital media. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.

“Discovery Education is proud to renew its relationship with Geneva School District 304,” said Sage Pintler, Discovery Education’s District Partnership Manager for Mystery Science. “As a long-term partner, the district’s feedback has helped shape our service and has led to innovations that have gone on to help educators and students nationwide, and we look forward to continuing this important collaboration.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources—which can be purchased with federal stimulus funds—and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.      

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Contact
Stephen Wakefield 
Discovery Education
Phone: 202-316-6615
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

Discovery Education Honored with Multiple SmartBrief Readers’ Choice Awards

Posted on May 5, 2023 · Updated on May 5, 2023 by Grace Maliska

Charlotte, NC (Friday, May 5, 2023) – Discovery Education has been honored with multiple Readers’ Choice Awards from SmartBrief. The Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 celebrates the companies and products making a lasting impact on the education industry. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.

Submissions were evaluated by both industry professionals and SmartBrief readers. SmartBrief recognizes those who are changing the education landscape for the better through innovative solutions, the latest technology, or pioneering problem-solving. SmartBrief is the leading digital news service for top-level education professionals in K-12, higher education, and specialized fields.

This year, two Discovery Education services were honored by the SmartBrief Readers’ Choice Awards:

Pivot Interactives in the Curriculum Development Category
Pivot Interactives, which joined the family of Discovery Education services in 2022, develops dynamic cloud-based activities that actively engage students in the authentic exploration of real scientific phenomena across Biology, Earth & Space Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics.

Mystery Science in the STEM/STEAM Category
Mystery Science, which joined the family of Discovery Education services in 2020, provides K-5 educators with simple-to-use, open-and-go, hands-on lessons that inspire students to love science. Each lesson begins by posing a question commonly asked by young students, followed by a series of brief videos and prompts to guide class discussion. The lesson concludes with a hands-on activity designed to bring learning to life.

In addition, Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform was named as an honorable mention in the Curriculum Development category and DoodleMath was named as an honorable mention in the STEM/STEAM category.

“At Discovery Education, we are dedicated to creating a powerful ecosystem of complementary services that power the academic achievement of all students. This recognition from SmartBrief is a powerful validation of that work and demonstrates how Mystery Science and Pivot Interactives are going above and beyond for students and educators,” said Pete Weir, Chief Product Officer at Discovery Education. “Thank you to the readers of SmartBrief that voted for our products!”

Learn more about the 2023 SmartBrief Readers’ Choice Awards and the other winners here.

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About SmartBrief
SmartBrief is the leading digital news service for top-level education professionals in K-12, higher education and specialized fields. Each SmartBrief is distributed for free and is specifically targeted to help administrators manage, teachers educate and students learn. We work closely with leading trade associations, professional organizations and corporations to create these news round-ups for their members and industries.

Contact
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release

Discovery Education Offering Students and Teachers New, Free Resources Celebrating National Space Day

Posted on May 4, 2023 · Updated on May 4, 2023 by Grace Maliska

Charlotte, NC (Thursday, May 4, 2023) — To support celebrations of National Space Day, Discovery Education is proud to present a curated collection of free standards-aligned resources. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.

Among the resources available to teachers and students are:

Augmented Reality
Grades K-12

Research shows that 78% of educators believe the best benefit of augmented reality technology is student engagement. Take students on an immersive trip to Mars in 2072, via two augmented reality apps, TimePod and Sandbox AR, and associated various standards-aligned lessons, all available on Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. Let students create, share, and even inhabit virtual environments through the new Space Day packs.

Virtual Field Trip
Grades 6-12

The Manufacturing the Future of Aviation Virtual Field Trip shows students how STEM makes aviation manufacturing more efficient and safer. This virtual learning experience transports students to Boeing manufacturing centers in Renton, Wash., Portland, Ore., and Salt Lake City, Utah to meet the diverse mechatronics, robotics, and ergonomic engineers at Boeing. An accompanying educator guide makes it simple for teachers to plug-and-play the VFT into any learning environment with relevant and standards-aligned activities that further explore key concepts in aerospace and engineering.

This virtual field trip is part of FUTURE U, an award-winning partnership with Boeing that provides standards-aligned, hands-on, experiential learning resources that ignite excitement and inspire students to become tomorrow’s innovators.

At-Home Science Lessons
Grades K-8

3M’s Science at Home video series is a collection of simple, watch-then-do science experiments that feature 3M scientists and special guests using common household items to explore core scientific principles and make STEM learning more accessible. Through these at-home activities, STEM solution seekers can experience scientific phenomena through creative and fun projects ranging from engineering with marshmallows to chemistry with baking soda. In the Balloon Rocket Activity, students harness the same scientific principles that power space travel as they build a multistage rocket.

Career Profiles
Grades 6-12

The STEM Careers Coalition™ (SCC) offers a collection of resources spotlighting careers in space. Students hear firsthand from STEM professionals working in space-related roles across a variety of disciplines including computer science, engineering, mechanics, and more. Students can see people like them working in the high-tech world of space exploration while diving deeper into the topic with a variety of hands-on, lessons and activities. Teachers can then introduce students to STEM with over 200 resources designed to uncover students’ STEM skills to activate future solution seekers.

Users of Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform can explore even more space-focused content in the service’s Space channel. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides educators with an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction.

“Space is an endless source of inspiration and curiosity for students. At Discovery Education, we love empowering educators to explore space in a variety of settings. With these resources in hand, students can discover the wonders of space,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education.

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Contacts
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Posted in Press Release