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BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life Professional Learning Webinars

Join us for a free webinar about professional learning for our newest high school biology program.

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Curriculum Customization Services

BSCS Science Learning provides assistance with customizing instructional materials to schools and districts as a professional service. 

High School Physical Science Course Co-Design and Development

We are seeking 10-20 district partners to participate in the development of a new high school physical science program.

Professional Learning for BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life

BSCS Biology professional learning helps teachers develop an understanding of the program’s goals, new Anchored Inquiry Learning instructional model, and resources.

3D Assessment Pilot Test

As part of an NSF-funded project to investigate the validity of three-dimensional (3-D) assessment tasks, BSCS Science Learning is interested in pilot testing 3-D tasks with students across the country.

New BSCS Research Shows Genomics Education Can Reduce Racism–Broadly and Safely in US Classrooms

A rigorous line of research at BSCS Science Learning shows a more humane approach to genomics education can reduce the development of racial biases among adolescents.

BSCS Paper Published in Science: Humane Genomics Education Can Reduce Racism

Dr. Brian Donovan and his research team have published their latest insights in the February 23 issue of Science: “Humane Genomics Education Can Reduce Racism."

BSCS Paper Published in Science: Sex and Gender Essentialism in Textbooks

Dr. Brian Donovan and his research team have published their latest insights in the February 23 issue of Science: “Sex and Gender Essentialism in Textbooks."

Darwin Day 2024

This Darwin Day, we are shining the spotlight on a scientist who is close to home: Dr. Rodolfo Dirzo, a dedicated member of the BSCS board of directors and the Bing professor in environmental science at Stanford University.

AERA 2024

You won’t want to miss the sessions provided by BSCS Science Learning at this year’s AERA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, April 11-14, 2024! Details listed below, or click here for more information.

NARST 2024

You won’t want to miss the sessions provided by BSCS Science Learning at this year’s NARST Annual International Conference in Denver, March 17-20, 2024! Details listed below, or click here for more information (enter in search bar: BSCS). March 17 March 18 March 19 March 20

Professional Development Provider Institutes

Each Professional Development (PD) Provider Institute is a 4-day experience designed to support you as a PD provider by deepening your knowledge, increasing your confidence, and enhancing your abilities.

STeLLA CO2

The STeLLA CO2 project is a NSF-funded project that seeks to use the STeLLA® conceptual framework to develop a common vision for effective science teaching and learning and enhance the coherence of preservice science teacher preparation programs at three Colorado universities.

5D Assessment

The 5D Assessment Project is a NSF-funded project that seeks to help teachers adopt a 5D vision for effective science teaching and learning. In this vision, students use science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts to explain phenomena or solve design problems in ways that engage student interest and support students’ identities as knowers, doers, and users of science.

NSTA 2024

We’re excited to provide professional learning institutes, hands-on workshops, and presentations at this year’s NSTA National Conference in Denver, March 20-23, 2024! Details listed below, or click here for more information and the most recent room locations and times (enter in search bar: BSCS Science Learning). March 20 March 21 March 22 March 23

BSCS Science Learning and Partners Awarded $4M Research Grant by the US Department of Education to Impact Middle School Science

Research grant awarded to investigate the potential far-reaching impact of a promising new middle school science program.

PlantingScience Digging Deeper {F2}

We are looking for high school science teachers to take part in a second cohort of the F2 research study. The goal of the study is to investigate how in-depth teacher professional learning in combination with a high-quality curriculum module and online mentoring by plant scientists can improve student outcomes and understanding of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

BSCS Science Learning Among Recipients of Department of Education’s $277 Million in New Grant Awards

BSCS receives EIR funding for "Engaging Science Learning with OpenSciEd."

Let’s Change Science Education

Precious Nwazota is one of many teachers with a great story to share about BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life.

Jill Cowart

Chief Content Officer at Bloomboard, Inc. Jill Cowart, M.Ed., currently serves as Chief Content Officer at Bloomboard, Inc. In this role she leads the development of the frameworks and content for micro-credentials for educators across the nation. Current projects include focuses on equity in schools, computer science certification, early literacy instruction, employability skills for high […]

Heidi Schweingruber

Director of the Board on Science Education Heidi Schweingruber, Ph.D., currently serves as Director of the Board on Science Education. In this role she has developed and maintained a diverse portfolio of projects in STEM education that span formal and informal education across the life-span. She has successfully obtained funding from a diverse portfolio of […]

Exclusive Future of Science Education Webinar

Get an inside look at our vision for the future of science education in this exclusive webinar presented by Daniel Edelson, BSCS Executive Director.

EdReports recognizes Colorado Springs science program creator with ‘all-green’ ratings

The Gazette covers BSCS's newest high school program, BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life.

BSCS Science Learning’s New High School Biology Program Earns “All-Green” Ratings from EdReports

BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life becomes the first green-lit high school science program.

Steph Moran

Climate Education Pathways (CLIM8)

The new and innovative Climate Education Pathways project recognizes that no one size fits all when it comes to climate education. In addition to the impact of climate change on worldwide systems, localized communities are experiencing a variety of differing effects on a regional scale.

In Loving Memory of Ed Drexler: Pioneer for BSCS

Henry “Ed” Drexler was a pioneer of BSCS textbooks and beloved high school biology teacher for 67 years. He dedicated his career to tapping into the inquisitive spirits of students through meaningful biology education, and remained closely connected to BSCS through it all.

Making Computing Visible & Tangible

The Making Computing Visible & Tangible (MCVT) project is exploring how a paper-based physical computing kit can empower youths’ and educators’ learning and engagement with key computing concepts and practices. 

BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life Professional Development Leader Institute

We are seeking science educators who are interested in supporting high school biology teachers as they learn and implement BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life.

Making Waves: Teaching Radio to Youth and the Public

Making Waves with Radio is a suite of museum activities, apps, and camp curricula, for engaging educators, youth, and public audiences about radio technologies.

STeLLA: Science Teachers Learning from Lesson Analysis

BSCS Science Learning has developed a nationally-recognized program for teacher learning called STeLLA®, Science Teachers Learning from Lesson Analysis.

Place-Based Learning for Elementary Science at Scale

In the Place-Based Learning for Elementary Science at Scale project, we are working with the the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance to support equitable access to place-based science learning opportunities.

STeLLA Online Program

BSCS is offering a fully-online version of our proven STeLLA® professional learning program and upper-elementary science teachers can participate in STeLLA from anywhere in the country.

Darwin Day 2023

Darwin Day is a celebration to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin on February 12, 1809. The day is used to highlight Darwin's contributions to science and to promote science in general.

OpenSciEd Middle School Science Program Earns “All-Green” Ratings from EdReports

EdReports gave the OpenSciEd Middle School program green ratings on all three benchmarks: designed for the next generation science standards; coherence and scope; and usability.

Clarissa Deverel-Rico

Jeffrey Rozelle

CEO and President, Knowles Teacher Initiative Jeffrey Rozelle, Ph.D., joined Knowles as a Senior Program Officer for Teacher Development in 2013. In this role, he had primary responsibility for supporting Teaching Fellows in their third and fourth years of the organization’s signature program, the Knowles Teaching Fellows Program. One year later, he was promoted to […]

José Felipe Martínez Fernández

Associate Professor, Social Research Methodology Division Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, University of California, Los Angeles José Felipe Martínez Fernández, Ph.D., currently serves as an Associate Professor, Social Research Methodology Division of Graduate School of Education & Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Martínez Fernández joined the BSCS Board […]

Towards a More Humane Genetics Education

Racism is a serious problem in the United States. Research has shown that the biology curriculum can affect how students think about race.

BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life

Our new program, BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life, is designed to prepare high students for life in our complex, interconnected world.

OpenSciEd Middle Grades Science Units

Led by BSCS Science Learning, a national consortium of curriculum developers and researchers created a three-year middle school science program for free distribution.

Invitations to Inquiry with FieldScope

Invitations to Inquiry are instructional activities designed to help middle and high school students work with community and citizen science data. The data are from a range of projects hosted on BSCS’s interactive platform, FieldScope.

FieldScope

FieldScope, an interactive digital platform, is transforming the way educators, community members, and organizations engage in citizen science.

NextGen TIME

NextGen TIME is a suite of tools and processes for curriculum-based professional learning that supports educators with the evaluation, selection, and implementation of instructional materials designed for next generation science.

Dr. Brian Donovan Discusses How Genetics Is Taught in Schools Today on BBC Series

Bad Blood is a BBC series that traces the development of the eugenics movement from the United Kingdom to the United States, to Nazi Germany.

A Special Update from Molly Stuhlsatz, BSCS Associate Director for People & Culture

This October, our entire staff came together, in person, for the first time in 992 days.

Celebrating Cindy Gay, Recipient of the Boettcher Foundation’s 2022 Alumni Recognition Award

Cindy Gay is a 2022 recipient of the Boettcher Foundation’s Alumni Recognition Award.

Eric Carroll

Support Today’s Science Educators and Learners

It’s been an eventful year at BSCS Science Learning. This spring, we released two major instructional materials programs for middle and high school students nationwide, including our new flagship biology program, BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life.

Supporter Spotlights

As an independent nonprofit, BSCS Science Learning relies on grants and donations to tackle the toughest challenges in science education. We are grateful for our many supporters, who are direct contributors to the more-inclusive, meaningful, and effective science education that we’re actively pursuing. What is it that keeps our supporters so loyal to BSCS? There […]

OpenSciEd Announces Development of Elementary Science Program

This fall, OpenSciEd will launch the development of an elementary science program.

Patricia Olson

Elaine Klein

Elaine Klein is a Science Educator at BSCS Science Learning, where she designs and researches opportunities for equitable, justice-focused science learning that brings together youth, teachers, and scientists. Since joining BSCS in August 2022, she has co-designed structures and processes to support teams in writing K-12 Climate Justice curriculum through the California Climate Change and […]

Exclusive Anchored Inquiry Learning Webinar

You are invited to an inside look at BSCS Science Learning’s latest innovation in instructional materials design!

Kevin Cherbow

Kevin Cherbow is a Science Educator at BSCS Science Learning. Kevin supports the qualitative analyses on the STeLLA CO2 project. Kevin also supports a variety of projects at BSCS related to the development and enactment of NGSS-aligned instructional materials, assessments, and professional development programs.

Meet Dr. Nancy Hopkins-Evans, BSCS Associate Director for Program Impact

Nancy shares how science education has impacted her experiences and identity.

Laura Zeller

Janet Ash

Janet Ash joined BSCS as the Director of Finance and Operations in July 2022. In her role, Janet is responsible for the budget, accounting, and finance of BSCS as well as data management and process planning. Prior to joining BSCS, Janet served as Director of Finance and Administration for other local non-profits. She is a former […]

BSCS Statement on Gun Violence

BSCS remains committed to students, teachers, and their communities, and to the ongoing work of building science education for a more just and sustainable world.

Tyler Morris-Rains

Jamie Deutch Noll

Nancy Hopkins-Evans

Nancy Hopkins-Evans joined BSCS Science Learning as the Associate Director for Program Impact in June of 2022. As a former college chemistry professor, she understands and cares deeply about students having exceptional learning experiences in science. These experiences that leverage students’ communities and cultures support their understanding of science concepts using phenomena and problems to […]

Engineering in the Garden

Engineering in the Garden is a free resource designed to help students address real world issues that arise in school gardens through engineering.

Erin Marie Furtak

Professor of STEM Education, University of Colorado at Boulder Erin Marie Furtak, Ph.D., is Professor of STEM Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder. A former high school science teacher, Erin transitioned into a career studying how science teachers learn and improve their daily classroom practices through formative assessment. In a series of multiple […]

Dr. Ellen Ebert

Director of Secondary Education Content and Science in the Secondary Education and Pathway Preparation Division at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Olympia, Washington Dr. Ellen Ebert is the Director of Secondary Education Content and Science in the Secondary Education and Pathway Preparation Division at the Office of the Superintendent of Public […]

Alyssa Markle

Staff Directory

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Anchored Inquiry Learning: The Next Innovation in BSCS’s Instructional Design

At BSCS, we have the opportunity to work closely with K-12 science teachers all over the country. Each year, we meet teachers who want to tap into students’  interests and ideas about the world around them. We meet teachers who want to engage students in meaningful ways. And we meet teachers who want to make […]

Restoring Ea Middle School Science Unit

Restoring Ea is a place-based, three-dimensional, and phenomenon-focused unit specifically designed for seventh grade teachers and students in central O'ahu.

Weather, Climate & Water Cycling

In this 6th grade unit, students explore weather, climate, and water cycling in four separate lesson sets.

Matter Cycling & Photosynthesis

In this 7th grade unit, students question where their food comes from and consider which breakfast items might be from plants.

Forces at a Distance

In this 8th grade unit, students explore the cause of a speaker’s vibration as opposed to the effect.

Thermal Energy

In this 6th grade unit, students are challenged to create a cup that keeps drinks cold longer.

Metabolic Reactions

In this 7th grade unit, students investigate a real case study of M’Kenna, a 13-year-old girl, who reported some alarming medical symptoms to her doctor.

Sound Waves

In this 8th grade unit, students investigate how sounds can cause objects at a distance to move.

COVID-19 & Health Equity Units

These high school science, middle school science, and K-5 units are freely available for download.

Making Evidence-Driven Decisions in a Media-Driven World

Making Evidence-Driven Decisions in a Media-Driven World is a set of curriculum modules—one for middle school and one for high school students—that help students develop the critical thinking skills to help them make sense of information from these different media sources.

A Medical Mystery

BSCS’s 3D middle school science program, A Medical Mystery, supports teachers in the effective instruction of an NGSS-aligned, EQuIP-reviewed body systems curriculum unit.

Introducing the Next Generation of BSCS Instructional Materials

We are excited to share BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life, our new, full-year high school biology program, and OpenSciEd Middle School, a three-year, open-access middle school science program.

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Innovation Fund

Our Innovation Fund allows us to explore promising new ideas and translate our research into programs for science educators and students.

Access Fund

Our new Access Fund connects our proven programs with schools and districts that are being left behind.

Endowment Fund

Our Endowment Fund ensures we remain positioned to make a long-term impact on science education.

Ashley Whitaker

Ashley Whitaker serves as a Project Manager and Staff Advocate at BSCS Science Learning. Her work focuses primarily on teacher professional learning. Ashley received her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. In her spare time, she is an avid reader and enjoys playing trivia.

Monica Weindling

Renée Touchette

Renée Touchette joined BSCS in 2004. She currently serves as the Human Resources Manager and is responsible for employee relations, benefits administration, and office administration. Before joining BSCS, Renée served as an executive assistant in the executive offices at AccentCare, a fast growing start-up in the healthcare industry. Prior to that she spent 13 years with […]

Marti Torres

Awais Syed

Betty Stennett

Betty Stennett joined BSCS as a curriculum developer in 2004. She has been involved in developing curriculum for multi-year projects as well as small units. Most recently she has developed NGSS designed curriculum for OpenSciEd focusing on the physical sciences. Betty has also developed curriculum for many online, blended, and face-to-face professional learning opportunities for […]

Jeffrey Snowden

Whitney Mills

Diego Rojas-Perilla

Dr. Diego Rojas-Perilla is a science educator and curriculum writer at BSCS Science Learning. He holds a B.A. in Biology and Microbiology from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. Since joining BSCS in April 2021, Dr. Rojas-Perilla has been a key contributor as a curriculum writer and unit lead for OpenSciEd High School Physics. […]

Guy Ollison

Chris Moraine

Audrey Mohan

Audrey Mohan joined BSCS as a Research Scientist in December 2012. Her expertise is in instructional materials design, evaluating instructional materials, and designing professional development. She also has expertise in crowdsourcing and mapping scientific data using cloud-based GIS. Audrey’s current work focuses on designing instructional materials to support NGSS while also igniting a curiosity in […]

Valerie Maltese

Janna Mahfoud

Janna Mahfoud joined BSCS in May 2020 as a Science Educator working across professional learning and leadership development, with a focus on transforming science teaching and learning for historically marginalized populations. She is also co-chair of the BSCS Equity and Social Justice working group. Prior to BSCS, Janna taught 5th-8th grade science in Hawai’i, California, […]

Stacey Luce

Stacey C. Luce joined BSCS as a Production Specialist in April 2002. Her main responsibilities are proofreading, editing, requesting permission to use art and text in BSCS projects, responding to requests to use BSCS material, finalizing manuscripts for print and publication, tracking art sources and status, tracking project art costs, layout design, and proposal submission, […]

Abe Lo

Abe Lo, Ph.D. is a Science Educator at BSCS Science Learning, where he designs and studies the efficacy of research-driven instructional materials and professional development programs to promote meaningful science learning for all students. He is co-PI on two NSF-funded projects to support rural teachers in adopting five-dimensional (5D) assessment practices (DRL 2010086) and develop […]

Dennis Lee

Dennis Lee is a Research Scientist and joined the BSCS Science Learning team in 2020. He is interested in how biology students know what they know and why they believe it. He is also interested in how students use this scientific knowledge to reason about race, sex, and gender in society. He is currently engaged […]

Justin Hutchcraft

Sherry Hsi

Dr. Sherry Hsi is a principal scientist at BSCS Science Learning. Hsi leads R&D projects that involve creative design and study of K-12 learners with an emphasis on equity, technology, and hands-on making in science and engineering. She has developed award winning mobile apps, hands-on exhibits, craft-based STEM kits, and technology-enhanced curricula in close design […]

Cari F. Herrmann Abell

Cari Herrmann Abell joined BSCS as a research scientist in December 2018. Before joining BSCS, she was a senior research associate at AAAS Project 2061. Her work focuses on the research and development of curriculum and assessment resources aligned to K-12 science learning goals. Cari has served as the principal investigator on two measurement grants […]

Emily Harris

Emily Harris joined BSCS in 2018 and works on research and instructional materials development to support three-dimensional learning, place-based education, and participation in community and citizen science. Through her work in research and practice, she aims to help young people and educators participate in authentic STEM practices and use science and environmental learning experiences to […]

Charlotte Hardwicke

Candice Guy-Gaytán

Dr. Candice Guy-Gaytán (Lenape) is a citizen of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and descends from the strong women of the wolf clan. She is a research scientist in Instructional Materials Development with an interest in designing culturally relevant and resurgent curriculum. Recently, she has been involved in developing lessons for OpenSciEd and in creating […]

Becca Greer

Becca Greer joined BSCS in 2019 as a Project Coordinator. She received a BA in Communication Studies from the University of Puget Sound while on a music scholarship for harp. Her professional background spans from directing youth programs for refugees and at-risk youth, to music and arts events production, to retail management in the outdoor […]

Cynthia Gay

Jean Flanagan

Jean Flanagan joined BSCS in August 2019 as a Science Educator and now serves as the Director of Resources for Science Teaching and Learning. Before joining BSCS, Jean served in a variety of research and design roles within science education nonprofits. She got her start as a Research Assistant at AAAS Project 2061 in Washington, […]

Brian Donovan

Brian M. Donovan is a research scientist at BSCS Science Learning. He holds a B.A. in biology from Colorado College, a M.A. in teaching from the University of San Francisco, and a M.S. in biology and Ph.D. in science education from Stanford University. His research explores how genetics education interacts with social-cognitive biases to influence […]

Renée DeVaul

Jenine Cotton-Proby

Andy Brubaker

Andy Brubaker joined the BSCS team in November 2021. As an Associate Science Educator, his primary focus is on curriculum development for the Humane Genetics suite of projects. He works to develop student- and teacher-facing materials that enable students to explore the complexities of population and multifactorial genetics. As a former middle and high school […]

Susan Loucks-Horsley Memorial Fund

The Susan Loucks-Horsley Memorial Fund supports our annual employee recognition program, in honor of former BSCS Associate Director, Susan Loucks-Horsley.

Planned Giving

If you would like to support BSCS even after your lifetime, consider a planned gift. With a planned gift of any size, we invite you to be part of the 1958 Society, named after the year our organization was founded.

Amy Belcastro

Allergies and Scientific Inquiry

Allergies and Scientific Inquiry is an online curriculum supplement developed to help middle school educators more effectively teach about food allergies. Lessons are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.

BSCS Middle School Science

BSCS Middle School Science is a standards- and inquiry-based program comprised of four units: Earth/Space Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Science and Society.

BSCS Science Learning Seminar Series

BSCS Seminar Series brings distinguished speakers to share ideas and present their latest work to our community conversations.

Drug Abuse, Addiction, and the Adolescent Brain

BSCS curriculum unit teaches middle school science students about drug abuse and addiction in relevant contexts.

Energy: A Multidisciplinary Approach for Teachers (EMAT)

EMAT, an online course, helps teachers frame complex energy concepts in a way that will resonate with high school students and prepare them to participate in important societal conversations.

Five Tools and Processes for Translating the NGSS

Five Tools and Processes is designed to help professional development leaders work with teachers on curriculum, instruction, and assessment to achieve the vision of NGSS.

Donate Now

At BSCS, we believe science education is the key. We have an over 60-year history of research-driven innovation. And right now, we are focused on bringing our programs to districts and schools that are being left behind. Your donation is critical as we strive to innovate and broaden access to outstanding science teaching and learning. […]

Five Tools Institutes for Leaders

As a teacher, how can you plan for instruction and classroom assessment based on the new science standards and Framework for K-12 Science Education? As a leader, how can you support teachers as they navigate this process?

Five Tools Institutes for Educators

As a teacher, how can you plan for instruction and classroom assessment based on the new science standards and Framework for K-12 Science Education? As a leader, how can you support teachers as they navigate this process?

Invitations Inquiry with FieldScope: Free Professional Learning

BSCS is offering free professional learning (PL) opportunities with our Invitations to Inquiry with FieldScope lesson materials, which get students working with real-world data from citizen science projects using FieldScope.

Darwin Day 2022

Darwin Day is a celebration to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin on February 12, 1809. The day is used to highlight Darwin's contributions to science and to promote science in general.

ViSTA

ViSTA is designed to help preservice and inservice elementary teachers enhance their science content knowledge and instructional practices. Users explore the powerful STeLLA® approach.

ViSTA Plus

ViSTA Plus is a full-semester online course designed to enhance preservice elementary teachers’ science content knowledge and instructional practices. Users explore the powerful STeLLA® approach.

POWER

What works best for teachers and students in science education interventions? Statistics can provide some insight—but only if interpreted in context. For instance, the way a study is conducted may impact the outcome, independent of the actual effectiveness of the intervention.

OpenSciEd Developers Consortium for Middle School Science

The OpenSciEd initiative was launched to address a critical need in science education: the need for high quality instructional materials that are standards-aligned and practical for broad implementation.

Planting Science: Digging Deeper Together

Plants are all around us. They are essential to our existence. Yet despite their ubiquity, how many science teachers truly understand plant biology and know how to effectively teach it to their students?

Assessing Students’ Progress on the Energy Concept Using Three-Dimensional Items (ASPECt-3D)

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) identifies three equally important dimensions to learning science: science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas.

Data Nuggets

Data Nuggets, a four-year research project between Michigan State University and BSCS, is studying the effects of bringing real-world data into middle and high school classrooms.

Extending and Investigating the Impact of the High School Model-based Educational Resource (MBER)

Current research suggests that scientific models can help teachers transform their science instruction and enhance student learning.

Developing Skills in Health Literacy

BSCS Science Learning’s Developing Skills in Health Literacy project aims to help middle and high school students develop critical-thinking skills in topics about health that enable them to accurately evaluate the information they get from various sources.

Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning: Rebuilding and Researching an Online Middle School Science Curriculum to Support the NGSS

3-D Middle School Science developed and tested digital curriculum materials and associated curriculum-based professional learning.

PCK*lex and ArguLex

Constructed-response assessments, in which students use their own language to demonstrate knowledge, are widely viewed as providing greater insight into student thinking than multiple-choice assessments.

Bill Warren

Chief Philanthropy Officer, Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism Bill Warren currently serves as the Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism. He was previously the Associate Vice President for Institutional Partnerships within the Division of University Advancement at The Catholic University of America. In that role, Bill oversaw the University’s efforts to […]

Dennis Schatz

Senior Vice President for Strategic Programs, Pacific Science Center Dennis Schatz is the Senior Vice President for Strategic Programs at the Pacific Science Center, Seattle, Washington, where he has played a leadership role for 36 years. During his tenure, he served as co-director of the Washington State LASER (Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform) […]

Nathan Root

Head of Product Management, Zurich North America Nate Root started his career as a property and casualty actuary in Chicago and achieved his designation of Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society. After spending over 20 years in the commercial insurance industry with a leading commercial carrier leading actuarial, information, and large-scale technology transformation efforts, he […]

H. Craig Heller

Professor, Department of Biology, Stanford University H. Craig Heller, Ph.D., is a Lorry Lokey/Business Wire Professor of Biological Sciences and Human Biology at Stanford University. Dr. Heller’s research focus for over 40 years has been in the areas of physiology and neurobiology of temperature regulation, hibernation, sleep, circadian rhythms, and most recently learning and memory. […]

Louis M. Gomez

Professor of Education, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, UCLA Louis M. Gomez, Ph.D., Professor of Education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Graduate School of Education & Information Studies. His primary involvements at UCLA are Learning Sciences, The Principal Leadership Institute, and the Urban Schooling Division. He also serves as senior […]

Rodolfo Dirzo

Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University Rodolfo Dirzo, Ph.D., is a Bing Professor in Environmental Science and Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University. Dr. Dirzo’s scientific work examines the study of species interactions in tropical ecosystems from Latin America and Africa. Recent research highlights the decline of animal […]

Philip Bell

Professor, Learning Sciences & Human Development, University of Washington Philip Bell is a professor of the Learning Sciences & Human Development and holds the Shauna C. Larson Chair in Learning Sciences. He is executive director of the UW Institute for Science & Math Education focused on equity-focused innovation in K-12 STEM education, and he is […]

Stephen Traphagen

High School Biology & AP Biology Teacher, Oak Park and River Forest High School Stephen Traphagen, M.S., M.Ed., is a biology and AP biology teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois, and a Senior Fellow with the Knowles Teacher initiative. His professional interests include scientific argumentation, fostering authentic scientific […]

Susan Gomez Zwiep

Dr. Susan Gomez Zwiep joined BSCS in 2020 as a Senior Science Educator. She began her career in science education as a middle school science teacher in Los Angeles, where she spent over 12 years working with English learners in urban schools. From 2005-2020, Susan served as faculty in the Science Education Department at California […]

Chris Wilson

Christopher Wilson, PhD is Senior Research Scientist and Director, Research and Innovation at BSCS Science Learning. He joined BSCS in 2007 from the Center for Curriculum Materials in Science in the College of Education at Michigan State University, where he received his PhD in science education. He also has a Master’s degree in Evolutionary Biology […]

Molly Stuhlsatz

Molly Stuhlsatz is the Associate Director for People and Culture, Chair of the Advocate Council, and a Senior Research Scientist at BSCS Science Learning.  As someone who has dedicated more than 20 years to BSCS, Molly is deeply committed to nurturing organizational culture. Her goal is to make BSCS the best workplace it can be–where […]

Aleigh Raffelson

Aleigh Raffelson joined BSCS as a Marketing and Development Assistant in October 2001 and currently serves as Executive Office Manager and Assistant to the Executive Director. With an extensive background in strategic marketing and database design and management, her experience includes a wide variety of industries including semiconductor, banking, wholesale food, and information solutions. Aleigh […]

Lauren Novo

Lauren Novo joined BSCS as the Director of Communications and Advancement in August 2017. With nearly a decade of communications agency experience, she has represented brands ranging from global tourism destinations and Fortune 500 companies to national sports brands and nonprofit organizations. Her career in communications has consistently intersected with science and research. While serving […]

Lindsey Mohan

Dr. Lindsey Mohan joined BSCS as a Research Scientist in May 2017. Her expertise is in instructional materials design and earth and environmental science learning. Prior to joining BSCS, Lindsey served as a faculty member for the Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame. In this role, Lindsey taught courses on science […]

Financials

2022 was a year worth celebrating–as we released two comprehensive science programs that represent our vision for the future of science education. We also worked closely with leaders to bring our programs where they are needed most. BSCS Science Learning 2022 Financial Statements and Uniform Guidance Compliance Audit BSCS Science Learning 2021 Financial Statements and […]

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Employment Opportunities

Join the BSCS team We currently do not have any open positions. Be sure to check back for future opportunities, or join our email list to be notified when there is an opening. BSCS Science Learning is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops, studies, and disseminates powerful approaches to science education. Our mission is to […]

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Mailing Address: 5415 Mark Dabling Blvd.Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Connect With Us

Our Pursuit Towards a More Humane Genetics Education

BSCS Senior Research Scientist Dr. Brian Donovan is exploring the role science education can play in reversing racist and sexist thinking.

NextGen TIME Leadership Institutes

NextGen TIME is a suite of tools and processes for curriculum-based professional learning that supports educators to evaluate, select, and implement instructional materials designed for next generation science.

Strategic Initiatives

Following a strategic planning process in 2016, BSCS Science Learning is pursuing three long-term, strategic initiatives. 21st Century High School Biology. We are launching an effort to reconceive high school biology to meet the needs of our students and society throughout the 21st century. As we convene scientists, educators, curriculum writers, community members, and advisors, […]

BSCS Science Learning Videoverse

BSCS offers free science classroom video resources for teacher learning.

Karen Askinas

Karen Askinas is a Senior Research Associate on the STeLLA CO2 project. As such, she worked with many districts and teachers in Colorado to gain district approval and collect research data for this study. She has worked on several large research projects focused on teacher learning and implementation of the STeLLA® framework.

Bruce Alberts

Chancellor’s Leadership Chair in Biochemistry and Biophysics for Science and Education, University of California, San Francisco Bruce Alberts, Ph.D., holds the Chancellor’s Leadership Chair in Biochemistry and Biophysics for Science and Education at the University of California, San Francisco, to which he returned after serving two six-year terms as the president of the National Academy […]

Jody Bintz

Jody Bintz, MA, serves as Senior Science Educator, Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships, and Director, Professional Learning with BSCS Science Learning. She works primarily in the areas of leadership development and teacher professional learning. Ms. Bintz has designed and led a variety of programs to develop organizational leadership capacity and enhance the knowledge and skills […]

Invitations to Inquiry

Invitations to Inquiry are short instructional activities designed to help middle and high school students work with large data sets. The activities engage students with community and citizen science data from projects hosted on FieldScope. Teachers and students use the interactive FieldScope platform to collect, visualize, and analyze environmental data. With these new Inquiries, students […]

Understanding Ebola

Understanding Ebola Virus Disease is a free resource designed to educate teachers, students, and community members about Ebola and the factors that influence its spread.

BSCS Science Tracks: Connecting Science & Literacy

BSCS Science Tracks: Connecting Science & Literacy allows preK through grade 5 students to interact like scientists, participating in inquiry-based activities while also developing important skills.

The Biology Teacher’s Handbook, Fourth Edition

The Biology Teacher’s Handbook, Fourth Edition, is filled with valuable teaching ideas and guidelines for grades 6-12 and college biology educators.

Educator Resource Center

Welcome to the Educator Resource Center — where you will discover resources to support classroom instruction, professional learning, leadership work, and informal learning. ClassroomInstruction ProfessionalLearning LeadershipWork InformalLearning Past Projects Looking for something that used to be here? Check our page of archived resources. Take a look at archived R&D projects.

Upcoming Programs

Find upcoming programs in the following areas: Teacher Professional Learning Leadership Development Field-Test Opportunities Teacher Professional Learning Are you a teacher who is looking to enhance your science content knowledge or instructional practices? Would you like a deeper understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? Have you heard about our signature STeLLA® approach and want to […]

Professional Development to Support a More Humane Genetics Education

We are recruiting middle and high school biology teachers for a genetics education study.

Daniel C. Edelson

Daniel Edelson joined BSCS as Executive Director and President in January 2015. He brings significant experience as a curriculum and educational software developer, educational researcher, and advocate for science and social studies education to this role. Before coming to BSCS, Dr. Edelson was Vice President for Education at the National Geographic Society from 2007-14. During this […]

Leadership

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Staff Directory

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Zoë Buck Bracey

Dr. Zoë Buck Bracey is a research scientist and senior science educator who works across curriculum development, professional development and research at BSCS, with a focus on re-framing the endeavor of science education as a tool for equity and social justice. She graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a BA in Astrophysics, and received […]

Jon Adams

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Students today are facing some of the most pressing issues of any generation. They’re navigating environmental crises and social injustices, along with everyday decisions that will impact their lives, careers, and society. More than ever, students need a deep understanding of science to thrive in our complex world. At BSCS Science Learning, we are actively […]

Resources

Educator Resource Center Invitations to Inquiry Reports

Reports

BSCS Science Learning regularly releases reports with insights pertaining to instructional materials development, teacher professional learning, leadership development, and research. See below for a selection of reports.

News

R&D Programs

Browse BSCS Science Learning’s robust R&D Programs and current projects below. Past Projects Looking for something that used to be here? Check our page of archived R&D projects. Take a look at our archived Educator Resource Center projects.

Our Story

It was 1957. The Soviets launched the world’s first satellite, called Sputnik. And just like that—the United States was trailing the space race. We attempted to catch up by launching our own satellite two months later. We failed. This was a pivotal moment, representing a major shortcoming in our nation’s scientific progress. And this is […]

60 Years of Stories

For 60 years, BSCS Science Learning has worked diligently to transform science education. We have grown from a single curriculum development project into an independent nonprofit, revered today as an innovative leader in instructional materials development, teacher professional learning, leadership development, and research. How do we know we’ve made an impact? For starters, you’ve told […]

Partners

BSCS Science Learning works with a range of businesses, organizations, universities, schools, and districts. See below for a sample of our partners and collaborators over the years.

About

Our Story Staff Directory Leadership Partners Financials 60 Years of Stories

Equity & Social Justice

Our Vision for Equity and Social Justice: One day all learners and educators will have equitable access to high quality science education opportunities informed by diverse perspectives that prepare them to understand and redress social and environmental injustices in their personal, professional, and civic lives. BSCS believes that science learning should be inclusive, meaningful, and […]

Our Work

What We Do Equity & Social Justice Strategic Initiatives R&D Programs News

Home page

Help Us Ensure All Students from All Backgrounds are Prepared for Life in the 21st Century

At BSCS, we believe science education is the key. We have a 60-year history of research-driven innovation. And right now, we are focused on bringing our programs to districts and schools that are being left behind.

Climate Education Pathways (CLIM8)

Help us design a climate education unit that your students will find interesting and connects to your community’s priorities.

BSCS Science Learning and Kendall Hunt Announce New High School Biology Program

Introducing BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life.

Learning from Kilo

The Restoring Ea Middle School Science Unit is a place-based, three-dimensional, and phenomenon-focused unit specifically designed for seventh grade teachers and students in central O'ahu.

Support the Work We Do Every Day

At BSCS, we believe science education is the key to making our world better.

Major Donors

We appreciate our major donors, whose contributions directly impact science educators and learners nationwide.

Making Waves: Teaching Radio to Youth and the Public

Radio frequencies enable us to use our cell phones every day to communicate to people around the world.

Darwin Day 2021

Darwin Day is a celebration to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin on February 12, 1809. The day is used to highlight Darwin's contributions to science and to promote science in general.

20 BSCS Accomplishments in 2020

Celebrate with us!

Help Create a Higher-Quality Science Education

A donation to BSCS is a direct contribution to more-inclusive, meaningful, and effective science education.

“Inside the Classroom” with Holly Hereau

An interview with BSCS Science Educator and PAEMST recipient.

Reporting Findings to Decision-Makers and Project Participants

Dr. Chris Wilson discusses the importance of sharing research results to a broad range of audiences in a recent DRK-12 blog.

BSCS Statement on Black Lives Matter

We stand in solidarity with BLACK LIVES MATTER.

“Inside the Classroom” with Rachel Buckley

BSCS interviews a Massachusetts-based 7th grade science teacher.

BSCS Launches Invitations to Inquiry to Help Students Work with Citizen Science Data

Invitations to Inquiries are short learning experiences using data from projects hosted on FieldScope.

BSCS Helps Students, Parents, and Teachers Connect with Nature

New resource recommends individual practices and exercises.

BSCS Science Learning Publishes Research Findings, Tools, and Data Sets Related to Student and Teacher Outcomes in Science

Throughout an 8-year line of work, BSCS reviewed hundreds of studies in science education and analyzed how various study characteristics impacted results.

Remembering Jack L. Carter

Jack Carter served as BSCS's Executive Director from 1982-1985.

Education Week Covers How an OpenSciEd Unit Is Used in the Classroom

A 7th grade science teacher has been thinking about how to make her science instruction more equitable.

Celebrating Darwin Day 2020

Darwin Day is a celebration to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin on February 12, 1809. The day is used to highlight Darwin's contributions to science and to promote science in general.

Dr. Brian Donovan Receives NARST 2020 Early Career Research Award

Dr. Donovan’s research has a focus on the cultural, cognitive, and social outcomes of science education.

“Inside the Classroom” with Brittany Hubert

BSCS interviews a KY-based 11th grade biology teacher.

Fossil Discovery Near BSCS Science Learning Headquarters

Interview with the team’s research leaders, vertebrate paleontologist Tyler Lyson, and paleobotanist Ian Miller, both of whom are curators at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Support BSCS

Invest in the future of science teaching and learning with a donation to BSCS today.

Education Week Covers BSCS’s $8M Grant to Advance STeLLA Professional Learning Program

BSCS will scale, refine, test, and sustain STeLLA® with U.S. Department of Education grant.

BSCS Science Learning Awarded $8 Million Research Grant by US Department of Education

5-year grant to help address a national need in elementary science.

Education Week Covers Release of OpenSciEd Instructional Materials

BSCS leads development of open source middle grades science program.

BSCS Science Learning Releases 3-D Middle School Life Science Curriculum Program: A Medical Mystery

New program supports educators who are navigating Next Generation Science.

An Interview about Ebola with Dr. Mark Bloom, BSCS Science Educator

BSCS offers free resource to educate public about Ebola.

“Inside the Classroom” with Iwona Jadamiec

BSCS interviews a NJ-based 7th grade life science teacher.

BSCS Science Learning Unveils New Website

BSCS launches a new website that reflects the organization’s 21st century brand identity.

New BSCS Research Shows Genetics Education Could Reduce Racial Biases

BSCS Research Scientist Dr. Brian Donovan has found that learning accurate information about human genetic variation within and between U.S. census races can reduce racial biases in adolescent and adult populations.

Education Week Features BSCS’s Research on Humane Genetics

EdWeek explores BSCS's research on how genetics education affects the development of racial biases among adolescents.

Celebrating Darwin Day 2019

Darwin Day is a celebration to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin on February 12, 1809. The day is used to highlight Darwin's contributions to science and to promote science in general.

Education Week Features BSCS’s STeLLA Research

EdWeek explores BSCS's line of research on its STeLLA® teacher professional learning program.

New BSCS Report Presents Guidelines for Designing Citizen Science Projects that Merge Science and Education

BSCS Science Learning has released a report that presents guidelines for designing citizen science projects with scientific and educational benefits.

$3 Million Federal Grant to Impact Colorado Science Teacher Preparation

A federal grant was awarded to BSCS Science Learning and will fund a five-year STeLLA CO2 project, starting this month in partnership with University of Colorado, Boulder; University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; and University of Northern Colorado, Greeley.

BSCS 60th Anniversary Announcement

BSCS celebrates 60th anniversary in 2018 and changes name to BSCS Science Learning.

Designing Citizen Science for Both Science and Education: A Workshop Report

This report presents guidelines and strategies for designing citizen science projects with scientific and educational benefits.

ABC-TV Louisville Features STeLLA High School Program

Local TV segment covers BSCS’s STeLLA® professional learning program with educators in Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky.

Guidelines for Assessing Instructional Materials that Exemplify the NGSS

This report includes four categories of criteria for evaluating student and teacher materials while also providing a blueprint for creating tools and processes to conduct valid assessments.

Math/Science Teacher Leadership Synthesis Project

Three reports have resulted from a synthesis project intended to build consensus on the key attributes of high-quality math/science teacher leadership development programs.

The BSCS 5E Instructional Model: Origins and Effectiveness

This report explores the BSCS 5E Instructional Model’s effectiveness and widespread use in curriculum development.