March 1, 2027

SCIENCE MATTERS

K–3 Science Matters Institute

An engaging professional learning experience designed to help teachers explore the foundations of three-dimensional science instruction through hands-on phenomena and collaborative exploration.

Institute Overview

Each CCC Team will receive a K–3 Teacher Kit containing five sealed exploration envelopes that guide participants through a full day of inquiry-based learning experiences aligned to the Science Matters framework.

Each exploration is intentionally designed to model key instructional practices while engaging teachers as learners first.

Exploration Missions

8:45–9:45

Mission 1: What is 3D Science?

Teachers investigate colorful bubbles as a phenomenon while exploring the components of three-dimensional science instruction and recording observations.

Launch Mission 1

9:45–10:45

Mission 2: Igniting Curiosity with Asking Questions

Participants examine a self-inflating balloon phenomenon to experience how compelling questions drive student thinking and inquiry.

Coming Soon

12:30–1:30

Mission 3: Inspiring Discovery with Developing Models

Using the saddleback caterpillar phenomenon, teachers explore how models support sensemaking and scientific thinking.

Coming Soon

1:30–2:30

Mission 4: Sharing Science Learning with Constructing Explanations

Teachers investigate Earth’s tilt and seasons while practicing evidence-based scientific explanations.

Coming Soon

2:30–3:30

Mission 5: Science Workshop Model Exploration

Participants reflect on the instructional process through a finish-line themed exploration focused on science workshop structures and implementation.

Coming Soon

K–3 Teacher Kits

Each school will receive four complete K–3 Teacher Kits, with one kit provided for each CCC Team to support collaborative learning, implementation, and future redelivery opportunities at the school level.

CCC Lead Implementation Training

CCC Leads will participate in a half-day implementation training designed to prepare them to facilitate and support the use of the Science Matters materials within their schools.

During this training, leads will experience the explorations, review facilitation structures, and prepare to support collaborative implementation with their CCC Teams.

Begin the Expedition

Start with Mission 1 and open the first exploration envelope.

Launch Mission 1

Start Here