Partner Webinar: Creating Classrooms Where Students Think and Act Like Scientists

 Gold Level Partner: ExploreK12

Webinar Description:

What does it take to create classrooms where students think, investigate, and communicate like scientists? Join us for a session where we explore how sensemaking practices can transform science learning by helping students make meaningful connections between scientific concepts and real-world phenomena. Participants will learn how to foster meaningful scientific discourse, use phenomena to drive inquiry and engagement, and create learning experiences that support deeper understanding for all students. Aligned to the K-12 Framework for Science Education, NGSS, and other state standards, this session will provide actionable strategies that science leaders and educators can apply immediately to support equitable, student-centered science learning and help students develop the habits of real scientists.

Key Takeaways from Webinar:

• Recognize what authentic sensemaking practices look like in K-12 science classrooms
• Use phenomena effectively to spark curiosity, inquiry, and student engagement
• Support productive struggle while building student confidence and ownership of learning
• Facilitate scientific discourse that promotes collaboration, reasoning, and deeper understanding
• Help students gather evidence, construct explanations, and defend their thinking
• Apply practical, classroom-ready strategies aligned to NGSS and state science standards
• Strengthen equitable, student-centered science instruction that supports all learners

Presenter Bio:

Desire Kirchofer is a Professional Learning Manager with ExploreK12 and has been supporting educators through high-quality professional learning for the past four years. Before joining ExploreK12, Desire spent 10 years as an educator, teaching science at the middle school, high school, and community college levels. Her classroom experience fuels her passion for helping teachers implement engaging, research-based instructional practices that inspire student learning. Outside of work, Desire enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy novels, exploring the outdoors through hiking and adventure, and spending quality time with her family.