Podcast Recap: Transforming Science Instruction

Science is the key to unlocking new futures. But too few students have consistent access to high-quality, real-world science experiences throughout their K-12 journey. That’s why Leading Educators is offering new partnership opportunities focused on nurturing excellent science instruction aligned to NGSS, beginning with the Next Generation Science Educators Network.

🎙️ In a recent conversation on the Queens of Tech podcast, Solona Hollis unpacks what the U.S. education system gets wrong about its approach to science education and what we can do now to ensure every student has a fair shot at a bright, science-filled future. Solona shares:

“What does it look like for us to begin to think about how science is where all the work we do in math and ELA comes together… It’s actually the place where we apply all these things our students have been learning all along in a real-world way.” 

We recap the conversation to offer inspiration for your science efforts. Listen to the full episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Students need strong models of what’s possible.

Solona says:

I had the advantage of having teachers who continually fed into me this idea that the sky was the limit and there’s nothing that’s going to stop you. Don’t allow yourself to be held back because you’re afraid to go into spaces where you may not see someone who looks like you.”

Growing up, she found inspiration in Oprah Winfrey, whose groundbreaking career in media served as a powerful example of breaking through barriers and achieving professional success.

Winfrey’s example and her parents’ unwavering encouragement inspired her to pursue her love for chemistry at a historically Black college in New Orleans, where she benefited immensely from the mentorship of a NASA scientist who played a crucial role in supporting her pursuit of a career in the sciences.

Reflecting on these experiences, Solona argues that every student needs to be able to see their aspirations in someone else to know what’s possible. 

Takeaway: One way educators can make this possible is by intentionally ensuring their students have access to role models who reflect a multitude of backgrounds and career paths within STEM.

⚡ How do you highlight varied examples of who can be a scientist in your classrooms or schools?

Science instruction comes to life in the application.

Following her college years, Solona embarked on a career path that led her to Georgia Pacific, where she worked in the traditionally male-dominated field of plywood and engineered lumber.

Unexpectedly, she found valuable mentorship and had the opportunity to co-invent a product that Georgia Pacific continues to utilize. This experience deepened her understanding of applied science and ignited a passion for mentoring students in science projects. 

Solona shares:

I started mentoring students to do their own science projects through a mentorship program that we sponsored at our lab… it made me realize there was an opportunity to plant seeds and cultivate what it looked like to bring up and usher up the next generation of science innovators and thinkers.'”

Takeaway: Science instruction that engages students and helps them see themselves as people who can use science to shape their lives and their world needs to be hands-on! Lectures, research, and even a rigid linear use of the scientific method don’t go far enough.

⚡How do you make science come to life in your classrooms or schools? 

Shifting the way we teach requires a shared vision, willingness to improve, and a strong plan.

A lot of what we do [alongside school systems at Leading Educators] is centered around change management,” Solona reflects. “It’s a missed opportunity when we don’t directly talk about change management with people, so that they understand there are a lot of emotions tied to that.”

Reflecting on her experiences supporting large-scale change initiatives, Solona learned a key lesson: the process is deeply intertwined with the feelings and perspectives of individuals across the system. Whether it’s a shift in curriculum, assessment practices, or professional development models, individuals navigate these transitions with their own histories, beliefs, and levels of comfort. Failing to acknowledge and address these emotional dimensions can create resistance and hinder the long-term success and sustainability of the change.

Takeaway: Sustainable change in teaching and learning requires authentically bringing others along and helping them see how what they care about is reflected in the plan.

⚡ How do you support your school teams to manage the emotional journey of change?

Help students reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

Solona says,

By all accounts, my parents believed that you didn’t allow things to be limiting factors for you. They pushed us to be great in terms of thinking about ourselves and seeing that there were endless possibilities of who and what we could become in life.”

Drawing from her own experiences, she offers valuable advice to young women aspiring to careers in STEM: persevere through challenges, actively seek out mentors, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. 

Her overarching message is that failure and setbacks are an inherent part of the learning process in science. Embracing the unexpected opens up opportunities for new discoveries and generating solutions.

Takeaway: Cultivating a growth mindset and relentless pursuit of dreams in students takes intention.

⚡How do you think about nurturing lifelong learning in your system?

Get Best-in-Class Science Support

Teaching and learning aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) requires educators to make a significant pedagogical shift.

• They need and expect professional development that surpasses basic introductions to curriculum materials and resources.
• Team success requires a common lens of what excellent science looks like in practice so leaders can provide guidance and resources that make a difference.

No matter where you’re starting, we can help your district, network, or state become a dynamic learning system where all students and adults can achieve great success in science and STEM together. Contact us about support today.