ESLO in Louisiana

The Engaging Science Learning with OpenSciEd (ESLO) in Louisiana project is recruiting teachers!

As middle school teachers in Louisiana continue to work towards creating meaningful science learning experiences for their students, we want to learn about how materials like OpenSciEd can provide opportunities for students to engage in authentic and relevant science.

BSCS Science Learning, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming science education nationwide, in partnership with Southern University has been awarded a $4M research grant from the US Department of Education to do just that. But we need your help! We are looking for teachers with varying experience teaching with OpenSciEd to participate in professional learning (PL) that will focus on implementing the materials so that instruction is responsive to the interests and needs of your students. 

What is OpenSciEd?

The OpenSciEd Middle School Program underwent 18 months of field testing in Louisiana and 9 other states to ensure that it can engage a diverse range of students across the US It has received an “all green” (highest) rating from EdReports, which means it meets the highest bar for standards alignment and usability. If you are not using OpenSciEd, or are considering using it in the future, there are important ways for you to get involved! Please complete the interest form linked below.

Who can participate?

• 8th grade science teachers in Louisiana.
• Teachers who have some experience with teaching the OpenSciEd middle school curriculum. 
• Teachers using materials other than OpenSciEd, but who are interested in using the program in the future. 

Why participate? 

• Be part of a PL community with other OpenSciEd teachers and leaders with experience designing and supporting teachers’ use of the materials.
• Receive a $4,000 stipend for participating in our project from Summer 2025 through Spring 2027.
• Receive kits to implement OpenSciEd units. 
• Influence the field’s understanding of implementing high-quality instructional materials as informed by unique teaching contexts and students’ needs and interests.

What are you committing to?

• Participate in PL, teach using the OpenSciEd curriculum, and support research activities starting Summer 2025 through Spring 2027.
• PL Dates:
  • Summer 2025: July 7-11 (5 days)
  • Winter 2026 (2 days)
  • Summer 2026 (5 days)
  • Winter 2027 PL (2 days)
  • 2026-27 monthly PL community meet-ups (PLCs) throughout school year

Want to learn more?

• Complete this interest form.
• We would love to have groups of teachers from the same school and/or district. Please reach out to us if we can support this!

Department of Education Disclaimer
The contents of this information sheet were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.