Do you know

the most effective way

to improve your teachers’

science instruction?

We do.  Here’s what the research says:

Research has shown that teachers are the most important factors in the quality of a student’s STEM education.

Yet many teachers avoid teaching science or only teach the topics with which they are most comfortable or simply rely on “activities that work” rather than engaging in meaningful, coherent, inquiry-oriented science teaching.

Even teachers following a purchased science curriculum are often not teaching it with effective pedagogy.

And with limited professional development time,  improving the science pedagogy of every current and future elementary teacher in your district can seem like an impossible task.

We’re here to tell you it is possible.  And it can be accomplished within a year in a way that is research-based, engaging, and time-saving for both administrators and teachers!

Click the button below to learn about the research basis for StarrMatica’s Virtual Science Coach.

 

Read the Research

 

StarrMatica’s Virtual Science Coach is an online professional development system that focuses on the two factors that have the greatest impact on the quality of a teacher’s science instruction: 

science content knowledge and questioning.

  StarrMatica Virtual Science Coach is an innovative online library of “bite-sized” engaging resources designed to help busy elementary teachers improve their science instruction.

By engaging with a series of animated videos, application challenges, literature, audio files, and lesson planning resources that each require 20 minutes or less, teachers are able to fit science professional development into their hectic schedules.

The platform is designed to be implemented by in-district instructional coaches or lead teachers throughout the school year with on-going, unlimited support from StarrMatica’s professional development experts.

And most importantly, the Virtual Science Coach has the research and teacher feedback to show that it works! 

Check out our enthusiatic testimonials

Next Generation Science Standards Coach

Teachers master three-dimensional instruction by diving into the standards structure, the crosscutting concepts, the science and engineering practices, and 5Es lesson planning.

Questioning Coach

Teachers deepen their ability to ask productive questions and engage students in academically productive discourse.

Performance Expectations Coach

Teachers build science content knowledge for each standard with interesting literature and podcasts.  Teachers also save time with lesson planning guides that share high-quality STEM resources including lesson ideas, literature, phenomena, questions to ask, assessments, trans-curricular integrations, and career connections.

BONUS:  Expert Mentorship and Community Collaboration 

Virtual Science Coach members are invited to join our private Facebook community where they can engage with teacher mentors who can help them to apply the concepts they are learning to their specific curriculums and students.

And while the Virtual Science Coach can be used independently, teachers are also encouraged to attend our monthly “STEM Collaboration” webinars where they can learn from content experts and have the opportunity to practice their newly learned Virtual Science Coach skills.  Current topics include:

Is that science or is it a craft?
Questioning Boot Camp
Choosing “Wonder – full” Phenomena
Do You See What I See? Exploring the Crosscutting Concepts and Science and Engineering Practices with Picture Books
Physical Science Brain Boost
Life Science Brain Boost
Earth and Space Science Brain Boost
Connecting to STEM Careers in Your Community
How to Spot STEM Imposters

TESTIMONIALS FROM FELLOW EDUCATORS

Teacher 1

“My professional learning experience with the StarrMatica Virtual Coaching platform has been incredible. I’ve never participated in professional learning regarding the Next Generation Science Standards that focuses so intently on pedagogy and truly breaking down the performance expectations and dimensions of scientific learning that are so critical to student and teacher success. I gained access to immediate strategies that will improve the rigor of my 5E lesson planning and improve the academic discourse taking place between my students in our Science Lab.

The self-guided approach to professional development was also a breath of fresh air for this teacher who is always pressed for time! StarrMatica is a excellent resource that will provide teachers with deeper understanding of the NGSS standards as well as engage teachers in high yield teaching strategies that will bring about student success in a multitude of avenues.”

Abbie Guskey, K-5 STEM Lab Instructor, Kentucky

Teacher 1

“StarrMatica’s Virtual Science Coach is the best source of science PD I’ve seen in 30+ years of teaching. The depth of knowledge [in SVSC] is incredible. Information is explained and examples are given in a clear and concise manner that is easily relatable to classroom lessons, and it is very user friendly. This is what teachers NEED to be able to teach effectively. It needs to be used by teachers everywhere. ”

Lori Weseman, K-4 STEAM Instructor, Minnesota

Teacher 1

“I love the platform.  I currently use a science curriculum that is at least 15 years old.  This was current, colorful, vibrant and made learning fun.  I think it is user friendly and awesome.”

Fifth Grade Teacher, Iowa

Teacher 1

“The StarrMatica Virtual Science Coach has helped me to approach my teaching of the science standards differently. By approaching the standards and looking at how questioning can enhance your student learning by going deeper has made more conversations during our lessons. I really liked being able to print and laminate the Quick Reference Cards that accompanied the 5E’s and the Crosscutting Concepts. I feel that this program is a valuable tool that school districts can use to enhance faculty understanding of the NGSS.”

 

Julie Miner, Fifth Grade Teacher, Illinois

Teacher 1

“I loved having everything right at my fingertips. I didn’t have to go to a million different places to find everything I needed. SVSC makes meeting the Iowa Core standards so much more attainable and sensible. When I first read the standards, I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is really powerful! If I only had the time to build lessons that could effectively meet these standards!’ Thanks to the SVSC platform — it is possible!”

Amanda, Fifth Grade Teacher, Iowa

Teacher 1

“I think this would be a great training tool to be utilized as professional development for educators within a district.

The way that the NGSS standards and performance expectations are broken down is very accessible and gives educators a way to work through their misconceptions and gain a better understanding of the NGSS and science lesson planning and applications.”

Dawn, STEAM Extension Outreach Coordinator, Iowa

Teacher 1

“This program was an amazing resource!  It not only helped me to enhance and supplement my current science class but also provided additional engaging lessons to help me be a better teacher.”

Jaime Jaques, K-5 Teacher, Utah

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