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Tools for Discovery

Science gives us tools to understand the world around us and advance it. That's why we created Tools for Discovery, practical guide to bringing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to life with open educational resources (OER).

Reimagining Science Education

Science equips students to investigate their world, make discoveries, and create new futures. Emerging global challenges like energy production and resource management, crumbling infrastructure, disease prevention, and public health will require generations of scientists from all backgrounds who can find solutions that work for everyone.

Tools for Discovery is a practical guidebook for clarifying instructional goals, strengthening instruction, and bringing the Next Generation of Science Standards to life with open educational resources (OER) as the foundation.

About the Guidebook

Strengthening the System for Future-Ready Learning

Moving science experiences and outcomes toward what is needed for lifelong success requires more than materials. It demands clear vision, strong routines, and sustained support grounded in students engaged in three-dimensional instruction.

What You Can Expect

Tools for Discovery was created to equip school and system leaders with practical, research-based strategies for implementing OER in ways that build collective capacity, promote instructional coherence, and support enduring improvement in science education.

This practical guide offers: 

  • A clear starting point for defining your science vision 
  • Strategies for selecting and implementing high-quality materials 
  • Approaches to building teacher capacity and instructional leadership 
  • A roadmap for long-term, sustainable improvement

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Why This, Why Now

Students don’t just deserve excellent science education; their future success depends on it.

At the same time, moving an instructional system, mindsets, habits, and daily experiences with consistency is complex. That’s why we partner with school systems nationwide to uncover new opportunities in their current reality, grow leaders, and build the conditions for sustained transformation.

Tools for Discovery draws from what we have learned over 15 years to offer a timely, practical perspective on where science education can go next.

Learn about our NGSS science support
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How You Can Benefit

Tools for Discovery offers a pathway to coherent improvement. You can expect to benefit in the following ways:

Refine a vision

It can help you develop your plan to unlock new potential through the thoughtful implementation of high-quality science OER.

Clarify the work to be done

It offers strategies and processes for evaluating your current reality, vetting resources, and establishing a culture of support that advances long-term OER implementation plans.

Demystify excellent practice

It underscores the importance of phenomena-based instruction as a key component of OER implementation, requiring a shift in perspective and mindset.

Find new momentum

Improve science education outcomes over the long-term by strengthening your commitments to real-world, high-quality science education and coherent practices across the education ecosystem.

Webinar: Building Bridges in Science

Multilingual learners bring critical perspectives and strengths to science classrooms. But too often, instruction isn’t designed to fully unlock that potential.

This on-demand webinar, grounded in Tools for Discovery, shares actionable strategies for teachers to build bridges between language and content, using AI-powered tools to support planning, deepen student thinking, and expand participation.

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