Program components

Flexible, blended program

Amplify Science integrates technology thoughtfully and intentionally, not in a “tech for tech’s sake” fashion, but in ways that reflect how 21st-century scientists and engineers use technology to enable their investigations and explorations. If we want to teach students to think and act like real scientists and engineers today, we need to empower them with the opportunity to use state-of-the-art digital tools in addition to reading scientific texts, writing and discussing scientific arguments, and engaging in hands-on learning.

Alternative for classrooms without student-facing technology

Knowing that infrastructure and technology resources vary widely within and across districts, Amplify Science was designed to work effectively in a range of settings. We encourage schools to adapt the materials as necessary to meet their context and the needs of their students. In the case of technology use, if student devices are not available, the benefits of the digital tools can be achieved through strategic use of the teacher device. For example:

  • If no student devices are available, the teacher can project the digital tool to the class. The teacher can then “drive” the digital tool herself, or invite students to “drive” orally or directly, by using the teacher’s device.
  • If only a few (or no) student devices are available, the teacher can invite groups up in shifts, giving each group a chance to interact with the digital tool on the teacher’s device while the remaining students work on other activities.
  • If a school computer lab is available, the teacher can reserve the computer lab for lessons that include digital tools. For these purposes, teachers can refer to each unit’s Materials and Preparations document to see which lessons include activities that call for student-facing technology.

Each of these options can provide investigation and sensemaking opportunities and support the fruitful conversations that are most crucial for student learning. Regardless of the implementation option you choose, your students will be empowered to collaboratively visualize otherwise invisible scientific phenomena in new and exciting ways.