Cross-Curricular | Discovery Education Nurture Curiosity Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:56:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Curriculum-Aligned Resources in Discovery Education Experience https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/curriculum-aligned-resources-in-discovery-education-experience/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:04:51 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=203416 Curriculum-Aligned Resources: Powerful Support for Student Progress Emily is a third-grade teacher who’s passionate about her work. She loves seeing each student make progress on foundational skills throughout the school year, and she puts in extra time and effort to ensure that everyone can. While she likes the curriculum and resources provided by her school, […]

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Curriculum-Aligned Resources: Powerful Support for Student Progress

Emily is a third-grade teacher who’s passionate about her work. She loves seeing each student make progress on foundational skills throughout the school year, and she puts in extra time and effort to ensure that everyone can. While she likes the curriculum and resources provided by her school, sometimes she has to find and adjust additional resources to meet individual needs or change things up in her classroom.

Derek is a seventh-grade math teacher who enjoys using real-world problems to bring relevance to concepts discussed in his classroom and to show students the importance of math in life. Working from the district-adopted core curriculum, he has assembled a set of instructional resources that he can draw from, but he wants to incorporate current events and use new activities to prevent student boredom.

Though Emily and Derek have very different teaching responsibilities and challenges, they share a need for resources that can help them drive student learning more effectively. While they are willing to spend the time and effort to identify and modify more resources on their own, this may be difficult and stressful in light of their typically heavy workloads.

Curriculum-Aligned Resources in Experience Closeup

One way district leaders could address this is by offering high-quality curriculum-aligned resources to their teams. Let’s explore what we mean by this, why these resources matter, and what adoption mistakes districts should avoid.

What Are Curriculum-Aligned Resources?

Teaching and Learning Pyramid
Alignment in Every Aspect of Teaching Is Important for Effective Learning

Curriculum-aligned resources are resources like instructional materials, strategies, and supplemental tools for teachers or content students access directly, such as videos, interactives, or hands-on activities, that directly connect to learning objectives and outcomes in accordance with the adopted curriculum’s content and pedagogy. Teachers can use curriculum-aligned resources to enhance unit topics, review skills, or find instructional strategies to meet individual student needs—whatever it takes to support effective learning.

Key Factors in Positive Student Outcomes

Ultimately, all the work that educators put into each classroom, school, and district is designed to set students up for academic and career success. Recent studies and surveys reveal that the use of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), accompanied by professional learning, is instrumental in boosting student achievement.

Standards alignment also plays a key role. EdReports’ State of the Market report says: “Teachers using aligned materials are more likely to implement high-impact instructional practices, such as engaging students in scientific models or justifying mathematical solutions. These practices promote critical thinking and deepen student engagement across subjects.” Plus, districts using aligned materials see less variance in teacher efficacy and are better able to support all of their students.

The best curriculum-aligned resources will include or support HQIM and align to state standards without requiring extra effort from teachers. This not only increases teacher satisfaction but also improves the quality of their teaching, leading to greater student performance gains.

Curriculum Alignment Is More Than Content

The content that curriculum-aligned resources provide may be a primary consideration when searching for and choosing them, but you need to determine whether a particular resource meets your expectations for learning. For example, the ISTE Standards* give educators and education leaders a framework for evaluating types of learning (creativity, collaboration, authentic problem solving, etc.) within digital tools that’s research based. And don’t forget interoperability: look for proof that curriculum-aligned resources will actually integrate with your other tools and systems, including your LMS and assessments.

 

*For over 20 years, the ISTE Standards have been used, studied, and updated to reflect the latest research-based best practices that define success in using technology to learn, teach, lead, and coach. 

Smiling African American Male Teacher Standing with Laptop

Curriculum-Aligned Resources Adoption Considerations

Curriculum‑aligned resources can become essential components of coherent, equitable instruction across the schools in your district. When you’ve adopted the right program, you can see the results in higher student achievement and teacher satisfaction. However, make sure you avoid these five adoption mistakes that can impede your success:

  1. A tech‑first, curriculum‑later approach: This can lead to misalignment, require teachers to find workarounds, and limit the impact of the resources.
  2. Minimal teacher voice involved: Teacher buy-in and fidelity could be significantly affected.
  3. “One‑and‑done” professional development: Orientation does not support the same success as ongoing professional learning.
  4. Ignoring interoperability: Hidden integration costs may be expensive, and data silos can interfere with a real understanding of student progress.
  5. No plan to evaluate effectiveness: Without quantitative and qualitative measures of usage and efficacy, funding may be wasted on subscription renewal.

More Impact with Discovery Education Experience

Curriculum-Aligned Resources in Experience

Experience combines ready-to-teach lessons, activities, and engaging content with research-backed instructional strategies and user-friendly tools. In its Curriculum Aligned Resources section, teachers will find content directly aligned to popular K–8 literacy, math, and science curricula. Each curriculum has resources that are thoughtfully organized by grade level and unit, making it easy to find age-appropriate content to meet student learning needs.

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Suggested resources vary depending on what point of the curriculum a teacher is in, but they often include a mix of instructor and student resources. Choices may include:  

  • Ready-to-teach lessons  
  • Reading passages  
  • Videos  
  • Activities  
  • Interactives 
  • Curated content channels  
  • Research-based instructional strategies 
  • And more!   

Finding the perfect curriculum-aligned resources in Experience is faster than ever with Personalized Content Recommendations, so whether teachers can get right to extending content, building background knowledge, or reteaching. It also includes customizable assessments and connects to a variety of LMS’s. 

Why not try our interactive demo today to explore Experience’s curriculum-aligned resources in more detail? 

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]]> CARs-Experience-Page-Closeup Teaching-and-Learning-Pyramid Blog-Teacher-Holding-Laptop-in-Class Curriculum-Aligned-Resources-in-Experience CAR-Wit-and-Wisdom-Gr7-Mod1 Futures Fair and Career Fairs: Shaping Student Professional Success https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/future-ready-students/futures-fair-and-career-fairs-shape-student-success/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:29:45 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=203078 From Curiosity to Career: How School Career Fairs Shape Student Futures It’s so rewarding to see students make breakthroughs, whether it’s learning a new concept, developing proficiency across multiple standards, or finding a sense of direction for their life after they finish school. But that last example can often be a mystery for many students. […]

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From Curiosity to Career: How School Career Fairs Shape Student Futures

It’s so rewarding to see students make breakthroughs, whether it’s learning a new concept, developing proficiency across multiple standards, or finding a sense of direction for their life after they finish school. But that last example can often be a mystery for many students. Educators hear “I don’t know” a lot when they ask about career plans, even from high school students.

That kind of moment is why career fairs matter. For many students, especially those whose families or communities haven’t presented a wide range of professions, a career fair may be the first time they glimpse what’s possible. Hearing a powerful story, meeting someone with an impressive job, or just seeing someone who looks like them in a role they hadn’t considered can shift their perspective.

2025 Futures Fair HS Students by Table

Let’s explore the benefits of career fairs in general and then look at what makes Discovery Education’s Futures Fair stand out.

Four Reasons That Career Fairs Matter

  • Exposure Expands Possibility: Students can’t aspire to what they don’t know exists. Career fairs give them the chance to discover careers far beyond the small circle of what they normally see.
  • Relevance Connects School to Life: Research shows that students who participate in career development activities are significantly more likely to believe school is useful to their future. When they hear directly from a professional how math, writing, or teamwork matters in their field, students discover real-world applications for their skills.
  • Role Models Make Careers Real: Meeting professionals in person (whether an architect, nurse, or designer) helps them picture themselves in those roles. Career fairs turn job titles into relatable people and stories.
  • Interpersonal Skills for Success: Career fairs aren’t just about jobs, they’re practice grounds for life skills. Students learn how to ask thoughtful questions, introduce themselves with confidence, and explore what interests them. These interactions build social capital and professional fluency long before a job interview.

What Is Futures Fair?

Discovery Education’s Futures Fair is an annual virtual career fair connecting classrooms across the U.S. with real-world professionals from companies involved in STEM, the arts, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, public service, and more—including Honda, LIV Golf, and Verizon. Educators and students tune in to discover how today’s learning connects to tomorrow’s opportunities. They can choose from elementary, middle school, and high school tracks, which offer a series of 25-minute virtual sessions that give students a firsthand look at the skills shaping the future.

Our overall goal is that we want to encourage early and often career exploration and giving students all sorts of experiences that allow them to understand what their skills are, what they’re interested in, [and] who the people are in the jobs that they could be meeting.

Amy Nakamoto, EVP of Marketing, Brand, and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education
2025 Futures Fair HS Student with Corporate Partner

What Was the 2025 Futures Fair Like?

The inaugural Futures Fair connected over 30,000 students in K–12 classrooms, virtually and in person, for a day of inspiring learning and career exploration. Some of the virtual sessions included:

Elementary Track (K–5)

  • “Bright Minds, Safe Futures: Exploring Smart Tech & Creative Problem-Solving!” from Norton’s Director of AI & Innovation Iskander Sanchez-Rola 
  • “From Pipes to Sinks: The Plumbing Magic Behind Everyday Water!” from Home Depot’s Director Omni Retail Sales Casey Nix 
  • “Fire Detectives: Solving Mysteries with Science” from The Hartford’s Forensic Engineer Ben Smith 

Middle School Track (6–8)

  • “Medicine Meets Machines: Exploring the Future with a Tech-Savvy Doctor!” from Meta’s Director, Product Management John MacDonald
  • “From Cockpit to Cutting-Edge: A Journey into Aerospace Innovation” from Honeywell’s Distinguished Technical Fellow, Aerospace Technologies Thea Feyerelsen
  • “From Farm Fields to Lab Discoveries: A Scientist’s Journey to 3M!” from 3M’s Corporate Scientist Jeff Emslander

High School Track (9–12)

  • “Crash Science: How Engineers Design Cars to Keep You Safe!” from Honda’s Crash & Safety Test Engineer Paige Vernon, and Principal Automotive Crash Safety Engineer Susan Mostofizadeh
  • “Genes, Germs, and Discovery: A Biologist’s Mission to Make Science Make Sense!” by Illumina’s Senior Scientist Chris Beierschmitt
  • “Breaking the Mold: How Courage, Curiosity, and Steel Spark Lifelong Growth!” by Nucor’s Branch Manager Victoria Kirk

A huge thank you to Discovery Education for including my students and me in such an inspiring experience. The Futures Fair was awesome. Moments like these remind me why I teach to empower students with voice, choice, and a vision for their future.

Daniel Jones, M.Ed. ABD

In-Person Futures Fair

This year’s experience was not limited to virtual. We approached our longstanding partner Prince Georges’ County Public Schools with the idea of transforming Gwynn Park High School into a real-life Futures Fair for the day. We brought corporate partners to the event, so more than 500 tenth and eleventh grade students got the chance to interact with professionals from companies like Capital Power, AES, Charles River, and The Swinerton Foundation. They also got to learn about community organizations such as PGCPS Parks & Rec and Atlantic Union Bank.

2025 Futures Fair Kick off

Education advocate and former engineer Brandon Okpalobi kicked the event off by inspiring students with a message to make the most of the opportunity to connect and explore. Then students participated in hands-on activities to develop the “4 Cs”: 

  • “Pitch It” prompted kids to pitch a product idea in 30 seconds (Communication)
  • “Design a Logo” prompted them to design a logo for their dream brand (Creativity)
  • “Build It” challenged kids to build as high a structure as possible using pipe cleaners and tin foil (Collaboration)
  • “Reflex Test” asked them to consider what goes into making quick judgment calls (Critical Thinking)

The day concluded with a special, all-grades broadcast live from Churchill, Manitoba (the polar bear capital of the world). Renowned wildlife artist and former Disney animator Aaron Blaise explored how art can connect humans with wild animals, including polar bears.

All the students, educators, and professionals who joined the first Futures Fair made it successful far beyond our expectations, and now we can’t wait to do it again in 2026!

It’s very important to learn about [career options], so you can at least expand your information, [and] explore new things that you want to do in life.

Gwynn Park High School Student

How to Continue Career Exploration in Your School or District

Career exploration remains important beyond time spent holding career fairs. According to research we released last year, over two-thirds of students (67%) feel that their education is not evolving to meet workplace needs. And three out of four adults agree. However, we’re ready to help you change this for good:

  • Experience is the only teaching and learning solution that makes it easy to connect career exploration to curriculum.
  • Career Connect is built into Experience, making it safe and simple to bring industry professionals directly into classrooms.
  • Careers Hub lets educators access curated resources aligned to 14 career clusters, complete with profiles, virtual field trips, and immersive tools.

You’ll find even more resources through our partnership with STEM Careers Coalition.

Picture of DE Staff

DE Staff

David has spent over 10 years in various roles with companies seeking to improve lives through effective teaching and learning. He values the empowering nature of adding knowledge and strengthening understanding, whether personal or professional.

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]]> Blog-2025-Futures-Fair-HS-Students-by-Table Blog-2025-Futures-Fair-HS-Student-with-Corporate-Partner Blog-2025-Futures-Fair-Kick-off Picture of DE Staff #CelebrateWithDE: National STEM Day https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/celebratewithde-national-stem-day/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:26:06 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=182761 Do your students ever imagine themselves as a pilot, video game designer, environmentalist, or surgeon? STEM professionals work in nearly all industries and for a variety of organizations. In their everyday lives, people with STEM backgrounds engage in investigative and diagnostic experiences to seek solutions to real-world problems and enhance technological innovations—sharing their exciting findings […]

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Do your students ever imagine themselves as a pilot, video game designer, environmentalist, or surgeon? STEM professionals work in nearly all industries and for a variety of organizations. In their everyday lives, people with STEM backgrounds engage in investigative and diagnostic experiences to seek solutions to real-world problems and enhance technological innovations—sharing their exciting findings and successes with the world. It’s no wonder that today’s students are easily captivated by the rich variety of STEM career paths they can take.

Step into the World of STEM

National STEM Day is a great chance to start your STEM journey! The Siemens STEM Day Channel offers a variety of tools and resources that will help you reinvent your STEM curriculum. You’ll find over 175+ hands-on activities spanning grades K-12 and a teacher support center with educator activities!

Exploring STEM topics can be fun and offer students a brain break to practice thinking outside the box. The N*GEN video series teaches younger students about a variety of STEM topics. Learn about the wetlands, robots, food, bees, and more through these engaging videos!

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To excite older students about STEM, dig into the Dig into Mining Channel! Created in partnership between Freeport-McMoRan and Discovery Education, this interactive educational program for students grades 6-12 uncovers the use of metals such as copper in our everyday life and provides students a deeper understanding of today’s hard rock mining industry with dynamic resources. A new STEM learning game, HAUL! Interactive, lets students take the wheel of a 2-story high mining truck to practice mathematics and explanation skills.

Connect the Classroom to the Real World

A great part of STEM learning is the potential for connections to the real world. Make your lessons relevant by helping students connect their in-class learning to out-of-class challenges and topics! Discovery Education has resources to help explore real-world topics that could have a direct impact on your community! 

  • Futurelab+ connects students and teachers from all communities to the breadth of education and career pathways across biotechnology. With these ready-to-use resources, students can discover the possibilities of biotech— from molecule to medicine!
  • With videos that highlight topics like forces and motion, stability and instability, and interactions between different materials, the Innovation at Play Channel helps students embrace STEM problem-solving in any learning environment through standards-aligned interactive digital resources centered around creativity and collaboration. 

More Engaging Resources for Exciting STEM Activities

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Engineering Dreams

ASME and Discovery Education are partnering to engage K-12 students nationwide in the biggest challenges of today while helping them unlock success tomorrow using the universal key of Engineering. Join us as we teach students to turn passion into an in-demand career in Engineering with standards-aligned resources designed for ALL learners and communities.
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American Petroleum Institute

Explore the American Petroleum Institute, the only national trade association representing all facets of the natural gas and oil industry, with career profiles and instructional activities. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms.
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STEM Careers Coalition

Did you know November is Career Development Month? Celebrate National STEM Day and Career Development Month with the STEM Careers Coalition! The STEM Careers Coalition's mission is to empower educators to teach STEM effectively in the classroom, focusing on equity and access to quality education, and building the next generation of solution-seekers at no cost to schools.

Take a Virtual Field Trip

Virtual Field Trips can create an exciting learning experience to highlight real-world STEM professionals in action! No need to schedule a bus to pick your students up for a National STEM Day field trip on November 8—Discovery Education helps bring the field trip to your classroom!

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Step into the world of Extended Reality (XR) where innovation bridges our physical and digital worlds! Join experts at Verizon Innovation Labs to discover how XR is more than gaming. XR is saving lives, revolutionizing education, and impacting industries as well as how cyber experts are ensuring responsible technology development to prepare for this new digital landscape.

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With the STEM Forward Channel, students can join Katie Ledecky, 3-time Olympian, 7-time Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer, proud STEM advocate and Team Panasonic athlete, for an immersive deep dive into game-changing tech that’s creating better ways forward for all people. The Winning with STEM Virtual Field Trip transports students to five Panasonic Innovation Centers around North America for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the everyday inspiration Panasonic’s team uses to power groundbreaking new ideas that improve people’s lives and make the world a better place.

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The Illumina Foundation and Discovery Education partnered to create DNA Decoded to inspire middle and high school teachers to unlock the power of genomics and impact the future of their students. The Virtual Field Trip Genomics: Decoding the Language of Life transports students to the Illumina labs in San Diego, California to meet real-world experts who are harnessing the power of the genome to improve lives and support the Earth’s natural resources.

Inspire the Next Generation with Career Exploration

What are some ways you show students how STEM skills can lead to life-changing careers? Perhaps you can invite local STEM professionals to give a presentation on their career paths and how they achieved it or ask students to select a famous STEM professional for a report! There are many creative ways to engage students with STEM career paths, starting with the career resources in Discovery Education Experience.

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Next, dive into the energy-water nexus with the Conservation Station Channel, an educational initiative from Itron and Discovery Education. This innovative, standards-aligned program encourages middle school students to explore the relationship between water and energy through the lens of conservation, with career profiles and STEM sit downs to highlight people who are making cities smarter and moving us toward a more energy-efficient future.

Get Girls Interested in STEM

Inspiring all students to explore STEM careers is important, but a recent survey by Girls Who Code and Logitech shows that early influences have a big impact on women entering STEM careers. 60% of women surveyed said a parent or a teacher encouraged them to study computer science, demonstrating the pivotal role particular adults play in supporting women at a young age. Discovery Education has great resources to help girls see (and learn from) real women working in STEM careers!

The IF/THEN Initiative is committed to showing young girls exactly what a scientist looks like. The IF/THEN Channel seeks to further advance women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. 

“I teach with the ‘see it, be it mentality.’ I believe we need to show students, particularly girls, that their ideas are valid, and they already have the power to make their dreams come true. With curated resources from Discovery Education and their partners, I can empower my students today to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
Cecilia Wilburn-Davis
South Carolina 5th Grade Teacher

Girls4Tech helps bridge the gap between opportunity, awareness, and readiness by providing schools and community organizations with free resources to educate, inspire, and equip young girls with the skills and confidence they need to envision themselves as future professionals in STEM fields. Find classroom activities, careers profiles, digital lesson bundles, and more in the Girls4Tech Channel!

Don’t miss National STEM Day on November 8! Sparking students’ interest in STEM careers and topics can extend past one holiday and you never know—it could create a lifelong passion!

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]]> HAUL.jpg engineering-dreams-scaled.jpg API.png SCC-Twitter-1200x675a.png Verizon-NextGenPD-Webinar-400×300-1.png Panasonic-CEP-Featured-Image.jpg DNA-Decoded.jpg conservation-station.jpg Get Students Moving: Why Physical Immersive Activities Boost Engagement and Learning https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/get-students-moving-to-boost-engagement-and-learning/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:33:28 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=202201 As educators know, sitting still for hours isn’t how children learn best. Decades of research and modern neuroscience all point to the same conclusion: physical movement improves attention, memory, motivation – and ultimately academic performance. A 2023 meta‑analysis of over 7,300 participants found cognitively engaging physical activities (like movement requiring decision-making and rule-following) produced improvements in working […]

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As educators know, sitting still for hours isn’t how children learn best. Decades of research and modern neuroscience all point to the same conclusion: physical movement improves attention, memory, motivation – and ultimately academic performance.

  • A 2023 meta‑analysis of over 7,300 participants found cognitively engaging physical activities (like movement requiring decision-making and rule-following) produced improvements in working memory, fluid intelligence, on-task behaviour, and creativity.
  • Less than 42% of U.S. children ages  6–11 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity – impacting health and classroom focus.
  • A campus tech‑services team sums it up: just ten minutes of standing or gentle movement raises concentration, reduces stress, and improves retention – even at the college level.
  • A 2025 systematic review of children with ADHD found physical activity interventions improved working memory.
VR Lesson with Teacher and Elementary Students
Movement doesn’t have to mean aerobic exercise mini-breaks. Simply having freedom of movement is enough.

Movement enhances brain function by increasing circulation, activating cerebellar coordination centers, and strengthening recall pathways. When students move – whether via brain breaks, gesture-based math, or kinesthetic games – they stay alert and motivated, and they process concepts more deeply.

Immersive Learning: AR/VR Experiences Provide Opportunities for Movement

Immersive learning environments – think augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), simulations, role‑plays – are natural allies of physical, experiential learning. These technologies encourage learners to move through scenarios, manipulate virtual objects, and act out scenarios in ways that traditional instruction simply can’t.

When students move, they don’t just activate their muscles – they awaken a network of senses that feeds the brain with rich, multisensory input. Shifting position, changing perspective, and engaging in tactile interaction stimulates sight, sound, touch, and even balance, creating a layered sensory experience. These moments act as cognitive attractors – memorable, high‑engagement events where attention sharpens and information “sticks” more deeply. In immersive learning, physical movement amplifies this effect, making the experience feel real, personal, and memorable.

Discovery Education’s immersive learning platform makes these ideas practical and accessible. Two standout AR tools that provide opportunities for physical movement and experiential learning are:

TimePod Adventures

Timepod Time Machine in AR
The TimePod time machine lands in the student’s real space and can be walked around in 360 degrees.

TimePod Adventures turns students into the main character in narrative‑driven, 3D storylines – such as historic journeys or scientific explorations – played out in AR on an iPad or iPhone. Students physically move through space to investigate clues, collaborate in groups, and solve problems. The combination of spatial movement, story immersion, and peer interaction naturally promotes engagement, memory retention, and higher order thinking.

Sandbox AR

Sandbox AR enables students to build, share, and inhabit virtual topical worlds using augmented reality on an iPad. Whether constructing ecosystems, exploring ancient civilizations, or modeling scientific phenomena, learners physically move around their creations, manipulate objects in 3D space, and collaborate with classmates. It transforms abstract concepts into tactile, shared experiences – driving engagement and deep understanding.

Blog Teacher and MS Student Using Sandbox AR
Sandbox AR reaches students who engage fully in activities that involve physical activity. Credit: London Grid for Learning

Connecting Research to Practice

So how do these AR tools bridge the gap between research on movement and real classroom application?

Blog New Hampshire State Capitol Building Sandbox AR
The New Hampshire state capitol building sits on a school sports field in Sandbox AR.

Movement-Inspired Engagement & Retention

Stepping into a TimePod Adventures scene or walking around a Sandbox AR build turns learning into a physical experience. This movement taps into embodied cognition – boosting attention, memory, and concept retention.

Intrinsic Motivation and Autonomy

Physically active learning has been shown to raise motivation, independence, and mastery. Both apps put students in the driver’s seat, letting them explore, create, choose paths, and solve problems in ways that feel personally meaningful.

Active Collaboration and Social Interaction

Group work comes naturally here. Students move together, share observations, and make real‑time decisions. These moments mirror the benefits seen in active learning research, where collaboration, role‑play, and simulation strengthen critical thinking and achievement.

Classroom Management Support

Movement doesn’t have to mean chaos. Sandbox AR’s “table scale” mode keeps students seated while they build, discuss, and explain their choices, then “life scale” mode delivers that big immersive moment. TimePod Adventures’ 10‑minute AR episodes pair with full‑length classroom activities, giving students a structured, reflective segment to settle, focus, and capture their learning on paper.

Tips for Educators: Putting AR Movement to Work in Your Classroom

  • Plan for shared space: Clear an area where students can stand and move with tablets. Let them rotate roles – navigator, clue‑tracker, builder – to keep energy flowing.
  • Blend movement with content: Ask students to gesture concepts – map routes, act out historical events, or build with Sandbox pieces. Embedding learning in physical activity strengthens memory.
  • Reflect on experience: After each AR session, invite groups to discuss: What did moving around reveal? How did acting it out help you remember or understand?
  • Alternate formats: Use TimePod Adventures for narrative exploration, and Sandbox AR for creative building. That variety keeps engagement high and supports different learning objectives.
Historical Artifact in 3D Space
A historical artifact floats in 3D space, waiting for students to walk right up to and analyze it.

Ready to Get Your Students Moving?

Bringing physical movement into the classroom isn’t about turning lessons into PE class – it’s about following the science. Students who move stay more alert, engaged, motivated, and they learn better. Immersive learning tools like TimePod Adventures and Sandbox AR deliver movement-rich, experiential learning that echoes what decades of research tell us: embodied, active classrooms help students thrive.

By combining high‑quality AR experiences with flexible classroom design and purposeful reflection, educators can turn content into lived experiences – boosting engagement, memory, and outcomes in ways that traditional methods simply can’t match.

Picture of Hannah McNaughton-Hussain

Hannah McNaughton-Hussain

David has spent over 10 years in various roles with companies seeking to improve lives through effective teaching and learning. He values the empowering nature of adding knowledge and strengthening understanding, whether personal or professional.

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]]> Blog-ES-Teacher-VR-Lesson-with-Students Blog-Timepod-Time-Machine-in-AR Blog-Teacher-and-MS-Student-Using-Sandbox-AR Blog-New-Hampshire-State-Capitol-Building-Sandbox-AR Blog-Historical-Artifact-in-3D-Space Picture of Hannah McNaughton-Hussain The State of AI in Education: Dealing with Disruption https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/state-of-ai-in-education-dealing-with-disruption/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:47:19 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=201647 “Welcome, how can I help?” This may look familiar if you’ve used generative artificial intelligence (AI). Whether you’re currently using AI or not, you likely recognize that AI is affecting every industry, including education. For example, the 2025–2026 Education Insights report revealed that 40% of students admit using AI on assignments without permission. Based on […]

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“Welcome, how can I help?” This may look familiar if you’ve used generative artificial intelligence (AI). Whether you’re currently using AI or not, you likely recognize that AI is affecting every industry, including education. For example, the 2025–2026 Education Insights report revealed that 40% of students admit using AI on assignments without permission. Based on this report and other news, it’s clear that AI in education is reshaping what it means to teach, learn, and engage. Let’s explore how schools can adapt now to prepare students for the future. 

Teacher and Students Using Laptop During Class

AI in Education Today

If a significant number of students are using AI to help them complete assignments without permission, are teachers aware of this? Yes, according to the 2025–2026 Education Insights report: 65% say they have caught their students doing so. Even if they haven’t caught students cheating using AI, teachers are aware that the potential exists. 

Not all students have embraced AI in education, whether for cheating or for approved uses. Some are concerned that using AI will dull their critical-thinking skills, and others don’t find using AI to be fulfilling or a part of meaningful learning. Many students question the usefulness of the skills they’re currently learning based on what AI is already able to do. In fact, 70% of high school students surveyed for the Education Insights report agreed with the statement, “I believe the skills I’m learning will be something AI can do.” This belief may play a role in disengagement for some learners in the classroom. 

Student Working on Laptop in Library

Ultimately, the ease of student access to AI means that educators find themselves needing to find a balance between limiting misuse and exploring potential. Based on Education Insights report findings, educator familiarity with AI and AI tools may affect classroom usage:  

  • Only 49% of teachers report using AI to complete tasks at school 
  • Just 53% of teachers feel optimistic about AI’s possibilities  

In contrast, 70% of the high school students who reported that they have used AI with approval believe it was helpful, saying they’ve been able to learn and complete schoolwork faster. 

The Engagement Connection: Why AI Matters Beyond Technology

Research shows that engaged students learn and achieve more than peers who aren’t actively involved in their learning. Because engagement is so important, educators may wonder whether including AI in their classroom is a good idea. One challenge that AI presents is that it can complicate how teachers see and measure student engagement. For example, AI can make student thinking harder to observe where teachers only see the final output of completed assignments. And getting to that final output doesn’t mean that the student put in the necessary effort for deep learning to occur, like with traditional approaches to teaching and learning.

Challenges and Opportunities with AI in Education

Like many technological innovations, AI presents both risks and opportunities when students have access to it in the classroom. Primary risks come from misuse and include:

  • Deliberately using AI in ways that are not approved or intended
  • Convenient ways to plagiarize
  • Overreliance on AI that stunts critical thinking
  • Shortcuts that undermine authentic learning experiences

Notable opportunities include:

  • Personalized learning
  • Scaffolding when students need it
  • Increased efficiency in completing assignments and research
  • New forms of creativity and inquiry

Despite the risks, AI is here to stay, and educators are learning to define its role in teaching and learning. In doing so, they can guide students to use it thoughtfully so that it enhances, rather than replaces, meaningful engagement.

Classroom of Students Using Technology

AI Strategies for Schools

Here are six recommended strategies to increase your chances of success:

  • Establish clear policies and shared language for AI use
  • Focus on process and thinking during assessment, not just output
  • Teach AI literacy explicitly
  • Design assignments that AI can’t easily solve
  • Use AI to support differentiation and feedback
  • Continuously evaluate and adapt practices

Note that you don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. Prominent companies can provide guidance and even work side by side with you to evaluate challenges, needs, and resources. For example, Norton, a leader in online safety, has joined the Digital Citizenship Initiative by Discovery Education and will offer free standards-aligned classroom resources supporting safe student engagement with AI.

Here’s what one teacher told us about AI in her classroom:

I always look for ways to engage students in using AI effectively—for example, to generate ideas, organize thoughts, and clarify questions—rather than relying on it to write papers or complete assignments.

Jessica Erlanger, High School English Teacher, Upland, CA

Shaping the Future, Not Simply Reacting

Most likely, AI is already being used in your school or district’s classrooms, and its presence will only continue to grow as the technology develops. So the question about AI is “How do we best use it to enhance teaching and learning?” rather than “How do we deal with it?” As we’ve seen in our exploration of the state of AI in education, when educators approach it with clarity, creativity, and intentionality, they can turn disruption into opportunity.

There’s more about AI in education and a wealth of fascinating insights into student engagement in our full Education Insights 2025–2026 report!

Picture of DE Staff

DE Staff

David has spent over 10 years in various roles with companies seeking to improve lives through effective teaching and learning. He values the empowering nature of adding knowledge and strengthening understanding, whether personal or professional.

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]]> Teacher and Students Using Laptop During Class Student Working on Laptop in Library Classroom of Students Using Technology Picture of DE Staff Building Career Confidence: Helping Students Explore What’s Possible https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/future-ready-students/career-finder-helps-students-explore-career-options/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 03:24:34 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=200049 Middle and high school students often face a daunting question: What do you want to be when you grow up? For many, the pressure to have a clear answer comes far too early – long before they’ve had the chance to explore what options even exist. But what if we shifted the goal from choosing […]

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Middle and high school students often face a daunting question: What do you want to be when you grow up? For many, the pressure to have a clear answer comes far too early – long before they’ve had the chance to explore what options even exist. But what if we shifted the goal from choosing a career to building the confidence that one will suit them someday?

As educators, we’re in a powerful position to open that door. By providing space for students to explore a wide variety of career pathways – without pressure or expectation – we help them develop a mindset of curiosity and possibility.

Student Walking on Road Toward Question Mark

Exploring Careers for the Sake of Possibility

For today’s students, the world of work is bigger – evolving faster – than ever before. There are jobs in industries that didn’t exist ten years ago, and many more that students won’t hear about in everyday conversation. That’s why it’s essential to offer them guided ways to explore widely, before they feel pressured to decide.

Career exploration isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about building belief: belief that they’ll find something meaningful. Belief that their unique interests and strengths are valuable. Belief that there’s a place for them in the world of work, even if they don’t know what it’s called yet.

Career Finder from Discovery Education

Career Finder

Designed specifically for middle and high school students, this free, web-based tool helps students explore dozens of careers – especially within the wide world of STEM – through short videos and adaptive prompts. It’s a personalized, video-driven journey that puts students in the driver’s seat.

Using a mix of real-life job stories, engaging media, and thoughtful questions, Career Finder gives students a “conversation-like” experience – meeting real professionals and learning what they do, how they got there, and why they love it.

How It Works: A Journey of Self-Discovery

The Career Finder is built around four key themes that shape how students think about future jobs:

  • Workplace Environment – Do they want to work indoors or outdoors? With people or on their own?
  • Communication Style – Are they comfortable presenting? Do they like collaborating?
  • Motivation – What drives them: building relationships, pursuing their passion, learning new skills?
  • Level of Education – Are they thinking about college, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training?

Through each of these themes, students interact with the content by selecting preferences, watching short, high-quality videos, and providing feedback. They’ll meet a Minecraft Engineer, a Fire Sprinkler Fitter, a Bat Conservationist, and many more – each bringing something unexpected and inspiring to the table.

At the end, students receive a summary of their preferences, plus links to even more careers and learning resources. This open-ended structure means students can return again and again, discovering new paths each time.

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Why It Matters: The Benefits for Students

Girl Checking Hydroponic Plants

This Career Finder isn’t about locking students into one “perfect” job. It’s about inviting them to explore, reflect, and imagine the future on their own terms. Here’s what makes it such a valuable tool:

  • Confidence in the Future – Students hear directly from real people who once had the same questions they do now. That representation matters: it builds confidence that there’s a career out there they’ll connect with.
  • Early Exposure to Career Pathways – Whether or not students are thinking about jobs yet, seeing the variety of options early on helps them connect the dots between school and the real world.
  • Student Agency – The experience is self-directed, letting students choose what they watch and how they respond. This freedom supports authentic engagement.
  • Accessibility for All Classrooms – The interactive is browser-based, requires no log-in, and works on any device, making it a great fit for classrooms with limited tech or time.
  • Open-Ended Seat Time – With many branching pathways to explore, the Career Finder works well during advisory periods, enrichment blocks, substitute plans, or career readiness lessons.
  • Personalized Reflection – The interactive adapts to each student’s input and provides a summary they can use to spark follow-up discussions or guide further research.

How Teachers Are Using It

Here are just a few ways the Career Finder can be woven into everyday classroom moments:

  • Career Readiness Lessons – Use it as a launch point for classroom discussion or journaling about interests and goals.
  • STEM Classrooms – Show the diversity of careers connected to science, tech, engineering, and math – even ones students wouldn’t expect!
  • Social-Emotional Learning – Support self-awareness and confidence by helping students explore their communication styles and motivations.
  • Advisory or Homeroom Time – Let students explore independently, then share one new job they found interesting with a peer.
  • Virtual or Hybrid Settings – Assign Career Finder as an asynchronous activity with a follow-up reflection or class discussion.
Girl Looking Through Microscope

Starting the Conversation

The new Career Finder ends with a strong message: This is just the beginning.

Helping students explore careers isn’t about pressuring them to decide early – it’s about building curiosity, confidence, and clarity. When students understand that there’s a whole world of jobs they’ve never even heard of, they begin to see possibility in their future.

Discovery Education’s Career Finder gives them a safe, engaging, and empowering way to start that journey. It’s free, flexible, and designed with student voice at its core.

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]]> Student Walking on Road Toward Question Mark Career Finder Feet with Arrows Pointing All Directions Girl Checking Hydroponic Plants Girl Looking Through Microscope Literacy and Math Strategies in the U.S.: What’s Working and What Isn’t https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/educational-leadership/literacy-and-math-strategies-whats-working-and-what-isnt/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:39:38 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=199958 Taking Time to Assess Instructional Impact Educators must always balance urgent needs in classrooms with the longer-term goal of improving student outcomes. As part of a regular series on the state of education in the U.S., we asked four passionate leaders in K–12 education to join us for a conversation about literacy and math instruction […]

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Taking Time to Assess Instructional Impact

Educators Collaborating

Educators must always balance urgent needs in classrooms with the longer-term goal of improving student outcomes. As part of a regular series on the state of education in the U.S., we asked four passionate leaders in K–12 education to join us for a conversation about literacy and math instruction and student achievement: 

  • Dr. Emily Hare, Director of PreK–12 Mathematics for Guilford County Schools 
  • Dr. Amanda Malone, K–12 Literacy Director for the Mississippi Department of Education 
  • Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and professor at Northern Arizona University 
  • Dr. Rufus Hill, State Director of K–12 Mathematics Coaching for the Mississippi Department of Education 

Host Dr. Karen Beerer, Senior Vice President of State and Strategic Partnerships at Discovery Education, opened the discussion by outlining what educators are observing and the pressures they’re experiencing in schools and districts of all kinds: 

  • The declines evident in the 2024 NAEP reading and math scores 
  • Legislation in many states that requires evidence-based instruction in curricula and sets aside funding for curriculum, tutoring, and acceleration efforts.  
  • Technology fatigue for educators driving demand for simpler, integrated solutions 
  • Teacher shortages and the effects on educators, schools, and districts 

But these challenges also create opportunities for using personalization and data-driven strategies to close gaps, making conversations like this one essential for driving progress in literacy and math.

What’s Currently Working?

Dr. Beerer said, “I thought we’d start with Mississippi, because when you read about the amazing growth that Mississippi students have achieved over the past decade, they often call it the ‘Mississippi Miracle.’ [But] it really wasn’t a miracle. It was planned, strategic systems of change.” Dr. Amanda Malone explained that everything began with legislation focused on K–3. Now schools throughout the state have literacy coaches who focus on “the whole child and the whole teacher.” In addition, they’ve found having access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) is key. 

For rural communities, relationships remain the foundation. Dr. Melissa Sadorf shared, “Teachers know their students and their families on a very personal level, and that allows those instructors to be highly responsive to student needs, even when formal resources are scarce.” By necessity, teachers wear multiple hats and can use technology to be a bridge that levels the playing field for students.

At the district level, Dr. Emily Hare explained that they are “intentional about aligning their work to a shared vision and value about what math instruction is and the experience each student should have” in her district. This shared vision guides curriculum development, HQIM choices, and professional learning, resulting in consistency across classrooms. 

What Needs More Attention?

“Too many students are leaving high school without the skills they need to succeed, especially in rural and high-poverty schools,” remarked Dr. Sadorf. Teacher shortages are making sustained improvement difficult, and a reliance on short-term grants and pilot programs means gains are hard to hold onto. 

Dr. Hare agreed, adding: “We’ve articulated clear commitments at the state and district level, but how do we ensure that our supports and resources are consistent across all of those schools? It’s really not a question of effort—I think we all know that—but of sustaining and scaling that vision so that it lives in daily practice.”

In Mississippi, coaches are actively building teacher capacity around HQIM, but sometimes teachers are trained and then leave. Dr. Malone emphasized that using resources most effectively will help, especially when technology is involved.

Dr. Rufus Hill pointed out that using resources with fidelity is important for success, especially since the teacher shortage means not everyone has the specific background in what they’re teaching. He mentioned one math teacher with an ELA background who has “been able to kind of teach herself to teach the students” using HQIM. 

Strategies and Real-World Examples of Change

The panelists shared programs, approaches, and partnerships that are driving real gains in literacy and numeracy. 

Dr. Malone identified: 

  • Using and training educators on structured literacy, which is based on the Science of Reading 
  • Helping students learn to read in the most efficient way 
  • Continually evolving and learning as educators 

Dr. Hill noted: 

  • Implementing the Mathematics Instruction Observational Protocol (MIOP)  
  • Creating a coaching academy with instructional leaders and coaches 
  • Starting a partnership with the Dana Center at the University of Texas 

Dr. Hare emphasized: 

  • Implementing HQIM with integrity for children that are traditionally underserved 
  • Supporting collaborative math leadership teams at school and district levels 
  • Seeking input from cross-collaborative district teams multiple times per year 

Dr. Sadorf then concluded that collaboration is a multiplier: partnering increases impact, closes gaps, and “ensures educator voices shape solutions that benefit everyone.” 

Supplemental Resources

Regarding HQIM and supplemental resources, Dr. Beerer asked how educators assess them and then implement them in the classroom. Dr. Malone noted that while each district chooses its own resources, state department level administrators can “see commonalities and provide coaching around those.” She recommended using supplemental resources to elevate math and literacy instruction.

Innovation in Math and Literacy

The panelists each offered a single word or phrase to capture what innovation in math and literacy means to them.

  • Dr. Sadorf chose the word connected, saying, “Innovation in literacy math has to connect students to engaging, relevant learning.” 
  • Dr. Hare chose alignment, explaining, “It’s about aligning to our vision, our values.” 
  • Dr. Hill came up with purposeful, noting, “I just think that with every decision that we make, we need to make sure that we have a purpose for that.” 
  • Dr. Malone’s phrase was “Effectively partnering what we know with what we have, with a learner in mind.” 

Engagement’s Role in Learning

In closing, Dr. Beerer brought up the “big topic” of engagement, something that always seems to come up in discussions about ways to improve learning. She noted that the 2025–2026 Education Insights Report, with a focus on engagement, offers key insights about education, motivation, and challenges in today’s classrooms. The report is free to download.

There’s so much more to learn from the full discussion!

Host and Experts’ Backgrounds

Dr. Karen Beerer, Senior Vice President of State and Strategic Partnerships at Discovery Education. 

Dr. Emily Hare, Director of PreK–12 Mathematics for Guilford County Schools. With a Ph.D. in Teacher Education, she is dedicated to building strong systems that empower teachers and students to succeed in math. 

Dr. Amanda Malone, K–12 Literacy Director for the Mississippi Department of Education. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and coordinator, she brings deep expertise in literacy leadership. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. 

Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and professor at Northern Arizona University. She has over 30 years of experience in education as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.

Dr. Rufus Hill, State Director of K–12 Mathematics Coaching for the Mississippi Department of Education. He earned degrees from Alabama A&M, Delta State University, and completed his doctorate at National University. 

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]]> Educator Collaboration Elevating Learning: Instructional Strategies for Engaging Virtual Field Trips https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/instructional-strategies-for-virtual-field-trips/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:43:03 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=189737 Virtual field trips are a game-changer in education, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences that transcend classroom walls. With the latest Virtual Field Trips from Discovery Education, teachers can lean on these effective instructional strategies to bring these exciting experiences into their classrooms, sparking curiosity and deepening understanding across grade bands. Inquiry-Based Learning Hands-On STEM Learning Cross-Curricular […]

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Virtual field trips are a game-changer in education, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences that transcend classroom walls. With the latest Virtual Field Trips from Discovery Education, teachers can lean on these effective instructional strategies to bring these exciting experiences into their classrooms, sparking curiosity and deepening understanding across grade bands.

The Superpower of Story: A Virtual Field Trip to Warner Bros. Studios  

Students in grades 6-12 thrive on exploration and critical thinking. An inquiry-based approach will allow students to analyze the role of storytelling in entertainment, questioning how narratives are crafted and why they resonate.

Implementation 

  • Before the field trip, introduce essential questions like: What makes a story compelling? How do filmmakers use visual and narrative techniques to shape emotions? 
  • During the video, have students take notes on key storytelling elements and industry insights. 
  • Post-trip, facilitate a Socratic Seminar or a project-based activity where students develop their own short scripts or visual storyboards, applying the techniques they learned.

This strategy fosters critical thinking, creative expression, and essential analytical skills across disciplines.

Meet the Magnets: A Virtual Field Trip to the NSF Mag Lab​

Students in grades K-5 grasp STEM concepts best through active, tactile experiences, and magnets provide an exciting way to explore forces and interactions with hands-on learning.

Implementation 

  • Before the video, introduce magnets through simple investigations like testing attraction and repulsion with household items. 
  • During the video, encourage students to record observations by sketching and describing experiments they see at the NSF Mag Lab. 
  • Afterward, engage in interactive STEM centers, allowing students to build magnet mazes, test electromagnetic properties, or create models demonstrating real-world applications of magnetism. 

This strategy builds foundational science inquiry skills and aligns with early STEM learning standards. 

Total Health: A Virtual Field Trip with NBA and WNBA​

Students in grades 3-8 benefit from integrated learning experiences that connect physical wellness with broader academic content. 

Implementation 

  • Start by exploring the science of movement with lessons on heart rate, nutrition, and the impact of exercise. 
  • During the video, students can track key takeaways using a graphic organizer focused on nutrition, fitness, and mental health strategies. 
  • Post-video, incorporate an interdisciplinary project where students design their own health and wellness action plans based on insights from professional athletes. 

This approach strengthens connections between science, physical education, and real-world decision-making. 

With inquiry-based exploration, hands-on STEM activities, and interdisciplinary wellness strategies, educators can turn these virtual field trips into transformative learning experiences. Whether students are immersed in storytelling, experimenting with magnets, or developing healthier habits, each virtual field trip offers an opportunity for deep engagement and meaningful connections.

Which strategy are you most excited to implement? Let’s make these field trips unforgettable! 

Explore More Virtual Field Trips from Discovery Education!

For DE Educators, access the Virtual Field Trips Channel in Experience. Not a DE user? No problem! You can access all Virtual Field Trips on DiscoveryEducation.com.

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]]> Question Icon Lined Space svg Atom Lined Space 48h png Globe Lined Space 48h png The Five Senses: Immersion in the Classroom https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/the-five-senses-immersion-in-the-classroom/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:20:26 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=183683 In an age where digital technology dominates, it’s easy to forget that when we talk about ‘immersive learning experiences’ as a way to nurture curiosity, we’re not always thinking about augmented reality or virtual reality.  VR and interactive simulations offer exciting possibilities, even with the world of education still striving towards digital equity. The high […]

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In an age where digital technology dominates, it’s easy to forget that when we talk about ‘immersive learning experiences’ as a way to nurture curiosity, we’re not always thinking about augmented reality or virtual reality. 

VR and interactive simulations offer exciting possibilities, even with the world of education still striving towards digital equity. The high cost of equipment can be a barrier, especially for underfunded schools. More training is needed for educators to effectively and confidently use new tech. Quality educational content for AR and VR is still limited, and unreliable internet access in some places can be a challenge. 

What we must remember, as some of us await the slow spread of mixed reality into the classroom and others wonder if they’ll ever feel at ease with it, is that teachers have been implementing immersive techniques in the classroom for many years to build curiosity – sometimes without a scrap of digital tech in sight. 

The Basics of Immersion

Sensory Learning Can Tip the Scale Towards Curiosity

Our senses are incredibly powerful in creating memories, forming connections in our brain, and developing emotional relationships. Have you ever smelled something that has taken you back in time to a place or a person? Perhaps you’ve read a book and been so engrossed that you forget where you really are for a moment. Even while listening to music, we sometimes allow ourselves to be carried away by the idea of being a global singing sensation. This is because our senses play a crucial role in how we perceive and remember the world around us. 

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Research indicates that multisensory learning experiences can significantly enhance students’ ability to retain information and understand complex concepts. By engaging multiple senses simultaneously, we activate different areas of the brain – and the more senses that are telling the brain the same story, the more likely the student is to suspend disbelief and allow themselves to be absorbed.

Here are some practical ways to amplify learning activities using the five senses.

1. Sound

Create a soundscape together by making sounds that you might hear in your chosen setting. For example, if the lesson is about exploring Antarctica, include the howling wind, the crunch of footsteps on snow, and the distant call of penguins. For ancient Rome, try the sounds of a bustling marketplace, chariots on cobblestones, and Roman soldiers marching. 

2. Taste

Introduce foods or ingredients used by specific peoples or at key historical events. For instance, when studying ancient civilizations, you might bring in samples of traditional Roman bread or Egyptian dates. During a unit on the American Revolution, tasting hardtack or dried apples can make history tangible and relatable. 

3. Smell

Smell is one of the strongest senses linked to memory. Use essential oils, spices, or other aromatic materials to evoke settings. For instance, the smell of incense can help students imagine an ancient temple, while the scent of pine needles might bring a forest ecosystem to life. 

4. Sight

Visual cues are those which we find easiest to source for the classroom. Consider sights in your space that might be distracting or anachronistic and find ways to block them out. Encourage students to create their own visual representations of what they’re learning, fostering creativity and deeper engagement.

5. Touch

Pass around an item for students to feel, such as the weight of a full backpack, a piece of clothing, or a fossil. Touch is not all about the hands – don’t underestimate the importance of students feeling the ground under their feet as they move around a space, or the sensation of warm/cold, wetness, a heavy weight, or a breeze on their face. 

Or Else, Do It Backwards

Sometimes, recreating sensory effects can feel like an extra burden on your lesson planning, or too much effort. In which case, research shows that cutting out one or more of our senses allows us to concentrate more on the senses available to us. Ever turned down the car stereo while searching for a parking spot, or closed your eyes when trying hard to remember something? 

This can be a powerful tool in the classroom when there are many distractions, or when it’s easier to obscure senses than target them.  

Close Eyes While Listening: Encourage students to close their eyes while listening to a story or an important explanation. This enhances auditory focus and helps students visualize the narrative in their minds. 

Turn Out the Lights: When watching a video, turn out the lights or close the blinds to minimize visual distractions and enhance the viewing experience. 

Create Silence: Mimic a deserted landscape by creating prolonged, complete silence in the classroom. This exercise can be particularly effective in lessons about space, deserts, or other isolated environments. 

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]]> annie-spratt-Ewfrjh0GvtY-unsplash-scaled.jpg Bringing Industry Innovators to Classrooms with Career Connect by Discovery Education https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/de-news/bringing-industry-innovators-to-classrooms-with-career-connect-by-discovery-education/ Sun, 06 Apr 2025 19:33:50 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=182928 At Discovery Education, we are always looking to meet educator’s needs. Educators require flexible, reliable, and high-quality services that fit in wherever learning takes place and really ignite student curiosity. We know that when students have early exposure to careers, it transforms how they explore and enter the workforce. Yet research shows that 83% of today’s […]

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At Discovery Education, we are always looking to meet educator’s needs. Educators require flexible, reliable, and high-quality services that fit in wherever learning takes place and really ignite student curiosity. We know that when students have early exposure to careers, it transforms how they explore and enter the workforce. Yet research shows that 83% of today’s learners can’t connect the skills they have and learn in school to future employment. Career Connect represents a new model in education in which career awareness and exposure start as a first stitch in the fabric of learning.

We’re offering a new solution that will drive student engagement by helping both educators and private sector partners better connect students to real-life experiences.

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Career Connect is a groundbreaking new platform that connects educators to the industries, people, and skills that power our world. Career Connect breaks down barriers between companies and classrooms, directly connecting Discovery Education’s educators to our partners’ workforce like never before.

With Career Connect, teachers can request virtual classroom visits from industry professionals based on job types, industries, language preferences, and location. In addition, this new digital platform provides companies with a unique workforce development and employee engagement solution that supports their social impact strategy. Initial partners include Sanofi and Genentech whose workforce volunteers are currently on the platform ready to connect with educators.

Discovery Education is the worldwide education technology leader. Our K-12 team works to provide access to cutting-edge, multi-media curricular tools to our global audience of 4.5 million educators and 45 million students.

At Discovery Education, our work is amplified through private sector partnerships with over 75 like-minded companies and organizations bringing concepts of industry (like biotechnology, aerospace, modern agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, etc.) through no-cost, standards-aligned digital resources. With over 25 years of bringing innovative instructional tools and support to classrooms globally alongside industry-leading organizations, Discovery Education is the only organization with the existing infrastructure and educator trust to deliver such an ambitious reimagining of education.

We are always looking for ways for our partners to shed light on their industry and the durable skills needed to compete in today’s global market. Career Connect brings that to scale and empowers employees to feel the intrinsic value of leveraging their unique story to make a difference. Organizations partnering with Discovery Education to bring Career Connect are poised to improve employee engagement by simplifying skills-based volunteerism and offering employees rewarding experiences. Research demonstrates that employee volunteerism increases engagement, productivity, and overall sense of company mission.

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And, for students, they learn the ‘why’ behind what they are learning in school in order to build on their transferrable skills as they grow in life and in their careers. Career Connect will assist with career exploration, equipping students with connections to the skills and knowledge they need to pursue their desired careers effectively by introducing them to the industry professionals they want to become. It’s an invaluable resource that helps classrooms explore different industries and career paths, ultimately helping them make informed decisions about their futures.

Today’s K-12 educators are in desperate need of meaningful and easy-to-implement career connectivity options. Likewise, the private sector seeks to build a future-ready workforce, highlight career opportunities, and drive social impact. Career Connect is the solution. 

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Amy Nakamoto

Learn how to connect your students with industry leaders!

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