high school educators Archives

We had an incredible time connecting with passionate educators from across the country at NABT 2025! This year was extra special — it marked the first in-person gathering of our 2025 Ambassador cohort!

Our Ambassadors truly shined as they shared their lesson plans and inspired others to bring storytelling and multimedia into their science teaching. Each Ambassador spent months creating and testing their materials in their classrooms—and you can explore them all here with a free educator account.

NABT 2025 Highlights:

Minu Basu, Rebecca Brewer, and Christine Girtain co-facilitated a hands-on session exploring how story-based multimedia enhances science learning.
Renee Haines and Dan Vanden Heuvel showcased their innovative lessons on using biotechnology in conservation and modeling evolutionary tradeoffs.
Shannon Behrman and Renee Haines led an interactive workshop on Observer, our newest feature-length documentary, exploring how observation can spark curiosity and a deeper connection to science. The film is FREE for educators to watch and use in the classroom.

Between sessions, we found time to enjoy beautiful St. Louis — from the Gateway Arch to its delicious BBQ.

We left NABT energized and grateful for this vibrant community of teacher leaders. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, joined a session, or shared your passion for science education—you continue to inspire us.

Click here to learn how you can join the next cohort — applications are open now through Dec 5!

At our Observation as a Superpower PD workshop in August, Dr. Elizabeth Coscia—a science educator and curriculum designer—found fresh inspiration for helping students see science with all their senses. Her reflections below remind us how powerful observation can be in sparking wonder and inquiry.

Participating in the Observation as a Superpower PD event was a deeply enriching experience that invited me to embrace the joy and power of multisensory exploration both as an educator and as a lifelong learner. Scientists are well aware that observation extends far beyond the visual; it engages all the senses and invites us to notice with intention. Yet for many students, observation is often narrowly interpreted as “looking.” This workshop offered powerful tools to expand that understanding, helping students recognize that what they hear, touch, and even smell can be just as vital to inquiry. It was a beautiful reminder that observation is not only foundational to scientific methodology, but also a channel to curiosity, creativity, and connection.

Dr. Elizabeth Coscia during a group brainstorm at our PD workshop.

The workshop brought together local educators from elementary school and beyond, and despite our varied teaching contexts, we shared a common desire: to design curriculum that reflects the needs, values, and voices of this generation of students. The enthusiasm and engagement among participants underscored the educational impact of Science Communication Lab’s new documentary, OBSERVER, an engaging and thought-provoking film that opens rich possibilities for science curriculum design and student-centered inquiry. The chaptered format makes it easy to pair specific segments with science topics and follow up with Think/Pair/Share discussions and other forms of inquiry-based learning strategies.

I am excited to design a two-part lesson that begins with students engaging in a selected film excerpt and guided discussion. This first class will introduce the question “What does it mean to make an observation?” and then explore its essential role in the scientific method. In the following class, students will head outdoors in small groups, each equipped with a “red frame”—a simple, fun, yet powerful tool introduced in the film that encourages observers to focus on a personally meaningful view. Using an activity from the Observer Activities Guide, tailored to our classroom context, students will explore and record their surroundings through intentional, multisensory observation. The goal is to deepen their understanding of observation as a scientific practice while honoring individual perspective and sensory engagement. As the guide astutely notes, “There’s no single way to observe, and what each student notices is shaped by their individual perspective.”

This was my second workshop with the Science Communication Lab, and I continue to be impressed by the team’s warmth, creativity, and collaborative spirit. I look forward to continuing to guide students in exploring science through art, story, and sensory engagement, while honoring the Science Communication Lab’s mission of inspiring science learning through personal storytelling.

About the Educator:

Dr. Elizabeth Coscia is a biologist, science educator, and communicator with a passion for engaging students through hands-on experiments, nature-inspired projects, and immersive learning experiences. Her background includes research on wolves and hyenas, 17 years of high school teaching, and a deep commitment to experiential, interdisciplinary science education that integrates art and adventure. Now based in the Sierra Nevada region, she designs programs that make science personal, creative, and accessible to diverse learners.

The Science Communication Lab (SCL) is thrilled to launch our 2025 Educator Ambassador Program—a bold new initiative designed to bring real-world science into classrooms through the power of storytelling. This pilot program features an extraordinary group of high school biology and environmental science teachers from across the country, each one a leader in their field and a passionate advocate for student-centered, curiosity-driven learning. As Ambassadors, they serve as co-creators and champions of SCL’s educational resources—developing lesson plans, providing critical feedback, and piloting new materials that meet the evolving needs of today’s classrooms.

From West Virginia to California, our inaugural cohort brings exceptional creativity, expertise, and commitment to connecting students with the process of science whilst humanizing scientists. Minu Basu (CA) draws on over a decade of AP Biology experience, combining academic research with inquiry-based teaching while mentoring students in STEM competitions. Rebecca Brewer (MI) is a national award-winning teacher and science resource creator who coauthored Biology Now and promotes research literacy. Christine Girtain (NJ), 2023 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, leads cutting-edge research programs and global STEM collaborations. Renee Haines (WV), a National Board-Certified teacher and recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, is known for fostering critical thinking and scientific confidence through advanced coursework and student-led science initiatives. And in Idaho, Dan Vanden Heuvel draws from his background as a wilderness ranger and outdoor educator to make science unforgettable—integrating field research, original songs, and storytelling to spark student engagement.

Guiding the vision of this program is Dr. Lee Meadows, a veteran science educator based in Birmingham, Alabama with decades of experience in both classroom teaching and STEM education leadership. As the founding Executive Director of the Alabama STEM Council, he championed statewide efforts to strengthen STEM learning and workforce alignment. A former professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he trained future science teachers in inquiry-based instruction and launched UABTeach, the state’s first UTeach program. Reflecting on the importance and impact of this program, Lee shares, “Science teachers want their students to see why science matters to them. The SCL films are perfect for that! And the SCL Ambassadors are the allies teachers need for seeing how to bring these powerful stories into their classrooms.”

To learn more about the program and meet the 2025 SCL Educator Ambassador cohort, visit sciencecommunicationlab.org/educators/ambassadors-2025.

Stay connected with the SCL Educator Ambassadors!

Look out for upcoming lesson plans, free webinars, and in-person meetups at NABT. Create an SCL Educator Account to access free classroom-ready materials, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Educator Newsletter for the latest opportunities, resources, and program updates—delivered right to your inbox.

The North American premiere of OBSERVER, our newest feature documentary, took place during Movie Night at the 2025 NSTA National Conference in Philadelphia—and we’re still glowing from the experience!

We were deeply moved by the energy and passion of the thousands of educators who joined us. From laughter during the screening to heartfelt conversations at our booth, your enthusiasm reminded us of the powerful community committed to making science come alive in classrooms.

Photos by Durrell Hospedale

OBSERVER: The Power of Observation to Inspire Wonder in Science and Everyday Life

We created OBSERVER to spark curiosity in students, teachers, and lifelong learners. The film invites viewers to observe the world with fresh eyes and reflect on the hidden patterns life around us.

Premiering it in front of such a dedicated group of science educators was a full-circle moment. You are the storytellers who carry science into future generations—and we’re honored to support your work.

Red Carpet and Red Square Moments at NSTA

To mark the premiere, we rolled out a red carpet—and you brought the star power! 📸

If you posed for photos on the red carpet, you can view and download your pictures here.

Don’t forget to tag us when you share your photos! @scicommlab @wickeddelicate #observerfilm Please also credit the photographer: Durrell Hospedale.

Free Educator Screening Day + Resources

We’re excited to announce a free OBSERVER screening day for educators coming soon! Many of you asked how to share the film with your students and fellow teachers—this is your chance to watch it for free with anyone you’d like.

👉 Sign up for an educator account and subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on the free screening day.

You’ll also find free lesson-friendly videos and classroom resources to support your science teaching, including the educator guide for OBSERVER from NSTA.

Public & Institutional Screening Options

Want to host a screening for your class, community, or school? We want to make this film as accessible as possible for anyone to screen and offer heavily discounted public screening and institutional licenses for purchase here. If budget is a barrier, please reach out. We’re here to help.

What’s Next?

We’ve selected the winners of our NSTA free screening giveaway (congratulations!), and we’ll be holding more soon. Plus, we’re continually expanding our library of educator resources—including the highly requested red square templates, coming soon.

At the heart of OBSERVER is a simple idea: that wonder begins with looking closely. Sharing this film with you—the educators who inspire that wonder every day—was a privilege. We can’t wait to see how you bring it into your classrooms and communities.

With appreciation,
Sarah Goodwin, Executive Director
Elliot Kirschner, Executive Producer

On January 23rd, the Science Communication Lab partnered with Charity Frempomaa, a high school dean and science teacher at Head-Royce School, to host a free educator event in Oakland. Teachers from across the Bay Area—representing middle schools, high schools, and colleges—gathered to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new ways to bring science to life in their classrooms.

The night opened with a screening of Decoding Ancestral Knowledge, an award-winning short film that follows Dr. Kiana Frank’s research into the microbial communities of Hawaiian fish ponds and the deep interplay between traditional knowledge and modern science. Following the screening, Charity led an engaging series of interactive discussions, prompting educators to reflect on how they could integrate the film into their own teaching. What followed was a burst of creativity and conversations—teachers shared ideas that ranged from inquiry-based science lessons to cross-disciplinary projects incorporating their students’ personal histories and culture. The energy in the room was electric, and the exchange of insights reaffirmed just how innovative and dedicated science educators truly are.

For us at the Science Communication Lab, the event was a delightful and eye-opening experience that reinforced our appreciation for the teachers who work tirelessly to make science meaningful, accessible, and relevant to their students. A huge thank you to Charity and the Head-Royce School for helping make this gathering such a success!

If you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry—there will be more opportunities ahead. We hope to see you at the next event!

~ Shannon

Meet the Educator: Charity Frempomaa

Charity Frempomaa is an equity-driven educator and leader dedicated to making science accessible and engaging for all students. As a Dean and Upper School teacher at Head-Royce School, she has championed culturally responsive teaching, student-centered approach to the classroom, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and real-world applications of science to foster student belonging and achievement.

With a background in biology and psychology from Brandeis University and a Master’s in Teaching, Charity has led professional development for educators and played a pivotal role as an AP Biology Development Committee Member for the College Board. In this capacity, she collaborated with experts to refine and enhance exam content, while upholding clarity, rigor, and equity for students worldwide.

Passionate about bridging research and pedagogy, Charity is committed to creating meaningful and inclusive learning experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.

NABT Conference Recap

Rosa and I had a fantastic time at the 2024 National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Professional Development conference in Anaheim from November 14–16. The meeting was brimming with energy and warmth! Educators shared innovative teaching strategies through engaging discussions and hands-on sessions. The focus on student-centered learning emphasized inclusivity and preparing students for real-world challenges. Videos emerged as powerful tools by fostering deep inquiry and engagement.

*Shannon Behrman presenting at NABT 2024, Photo by Rosa Veguilla*

I was honored to present during a well-attended session. There I screened Decoding Ancestral Knowledge and highlighted its impact on content knowledge, science identity, and the nature of science learning in a Fall 2023 study. The audience’s enthusiasm reinforced the value of using film as a tool to make complex scientific concepts accessible and inspiring.

During my presentation, I also introduced the SCL’s new High School Educator Ambassador Pilot Program for high school biology and environmental science teachers. In addition, I demoed the SCL’s newly revamped website, which offers a sleek design and a library of films, some with accompanying educator resources. You will need an educator account in order to apply to the Ambassador Program and to access educator resources. Read below for more information about both.

To sum it all up, I learned so much and met so many wonderful K-16 science educators doing incredible work at NABT. Thank you to the NABT community for creating such a thriving and inclusive space for sharing innovative science education!

With gratitude,

Shannon

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Introducing the 2025 High School Educator Ambassador Pilot Program

Ignite your students’ curiosity with our science films and become part of our inaugural High School Educator Ambassador Program! We’re seeking passionate high-school biology and environmental science teachers to help adapt our engaging content for classroom use and share it with fellow educators. As an ambassador, you’ll help us spread the word about our content and play a pivotal role in shaping resources that align with science practices and standards, making complex concepts fun and accessible for students. This pilot program runs for one year, and participants will each receive a $2,000 honorarium for their contributions. Learn more here.

As we expand our repertoire to include high school-targeted resources, we’re excited to collaborate with ambassador teachers to shape content that meets classroom needs. This is a pivotal step in our mission to make science accessible and engaging for students at all levels.

To apply, educators must have an existing account or create an account on our website and complete a short application by Sunday, December 8th. Selected candidates will be invited to interviews before the end of the year. Questions about the program? Please contact us.

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Revamped Website: A Hub for Science Educators

Our website got a new look! We redesigned it to better match our org’s focus on creating science films for K-16 education and to better serve science educators interested in using our content.

The website’s live search and filter options make it easy to explore films by topic, title, or keyword. Educators can access resources with a free account, which is required even if they previously registered on our older iBiology platform.

Please check out our website to explore content and join our growing community of educators!