What we mean by science.
For us, science encompasses different ways various people and communities explore and respond to phenomena in our natural and social worlds; social studies is concerned with the implications of these phenomena on past and present human groups. We further emphasize this connection by advocating K-12 connection to active research through science education.
We build together.
One thing that sets us apart is that almost everything we build, we build together. The vast majority of our learning modules are custom designed in collaboration with educators or community partners to meet specific goals and needs. These are not off-the-shelf activities. Our projects and activities are shaped through dialogue and shared purpose. Some are later adapted for broader use (with permission from all collaborators), while others are intentionally community-specific.
Science belongs
to everyone.
You don't have to look a certain way, think a certain way, or learn a certain way to be a scientist. Too often, people have been discouraged from pursuing their curiosity because they didn't fit someone else's idea of what a scientist should be. We reject those assumptions. We believe that our different backgrounds, abilities, experiences, and ways of thinking enrich the questions we ask, the knowledge we build, and the discoveries we make.
We learn by doing.
Whether in the classroom or in the field, our hands-on activities encourage the development of critical thinking skills and offer students innovative, inquiry-based approaches to learning complex subjects. These materials are also adaptable to accommodate various learning styles—not just those designed for mainstream settings.
Science is a collective pursuit.
Science is a way of thinking, questioning, and connecting with the world. Science is also fundamentally about people: understanding the world we share, addressing the challenges our communities face, and enriching our collective lives. We believe that meaningful research is strengthened by bringing together different perspectives, experiences, and expertise, and that the communities affected by research should have a voice in shaping the questions we ask and the knowledge we create.
