Students in California’s Dunham School District (DSD) are in for an exciting new school year as they return to classrooms this fall with enhanced science education resources in their digital backpacks. The California Discovery Education Science Experience, developed by global edtech leader Discovery Education, aims to support students’ natural curiosity and provide engaging learning opportunities in the field of science.
The Dunham School District, located in the rural dairy lands of North Petaluma, serves students in grades TK-6 with a commitment to creating an environment where each child is known, valued, and supported. The district’s dedicated staff strive to provide rich learning experiences that help students reach their full academic potential while mastering the skills and knowledge required by the California learning standards and curriculum frameworks. Values such as honesty, ethical behavior, integrity, cooperation, and responsibility are instilled in all learners as they develop the ability to work well with others and solve problems with creativity and ingenuity.
To further support the district’s mission of providing high-quality science instruction aligned with California state standards, the DSD team embarked on a search for an innovative digital-print-kit blended science curriculum that would engage all learners and seamlessly integrate into teachers’ classroom practice. After a thorough review of available resources, the district chose the California Discovery Education Science Experience to be implemented in all classrooms. This comprehensive resource includes several key components:
Discovery Education Experience
One of the core elements of the California Discovery Education Science Experience is the Discovery Education Experience platform. This platform connects 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. With resources sourced from trusted partners and aligned to state and national standards, educators are able to bring real-world applications into their teaching and learning every day. Additionally, through partnerships with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, ClassLink, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT infrastructure has never been easier.
Discovery Education Science Techbooks
Another critical component of the California Discovery Education Science Experience is the Science Techbook series. Designed as a comprehensive, research-backed science solution for grades K-12, the Science Techbooks drive engagement through exclusive phenomena and interactive content. Specifically tailored for California classrooms, the California Science Techbooks are aligned with state standards and feature virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM activities, and instructional supports that enhance the delivery of impactful, blended instruction. The Science Techbooks also include standards connections and differentiation activities to inform instructional planning and guide three-dimensional learning. Coordinated teacher guides offer unit, concept, and lesson overviews, along with pre-packaged kits that make classroom activities easy to implement.
Discovery Education Professional Learning
In addition to the robust digital resources provided by the California Discovery Education Science Experience, dedicated professional learning opportunities are available to help educators maximize the impact of these resources in the classroom. Through interactive professional development sessions, participants can learn best practices for integrating the new digital resources into instruction, promoting student engagement, and supporting the continued academic development of all learners.
Ani Larson, Dunham School District’s Superintendent, emphasized the importance of nurturing student curiosity in the sciences to drive deeper engagement, improve academic achievement, and develop critical skills for the future. Larson expressed confidence in the alignment of Discovery Education’s digital resources with the district’s educational philosophy and highlighted the ease of integration for teachers. The district looks forward to implementing these new resources when school opens for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Discovery Education Account Executive Erin Creaven commended Dunham School District for its thoughtful application of digital resources to enhance student curiosity and academic achievement. Creaven expressed pride in supporting the district’s efforts to empower its students through innovative educational technologies.
In conclusion, the California Discovery Education Science Experience represents a significant step forward in enhancing science education for students in the Dunham School District. With a focus on engaging learning experiences, alignment with state standards, and professional development opportunities, the resources provided by Discovery Education are poised to make a positive impact on student learning and achievement in the district. As educators and students embark on this new educational journey, the possibilities for exploration, discovery, and growth are endless.