In today's evolving educational landscape, Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School science teachers embrace cutting-edge tools to enhance student engagement and understanding of complex concepts. BrainPop Science was introduced as a new software tool this year and, although early, has had a positive impact on classroom instruction and learning. It covers various topics to spark middle schoolers' scientific curiosity, helping students grasp challenging concepts and see their connections.
With BrainPop Science, students begin with a phenomenon and use scientific practices to record observations from various resources. These observations are then used as evidence to form scientific explanations and answer guiding questions. This method promotes critical thinking by combining hands-on practices with content learning.
Mrs. Alison Theriault, who has taught for over eight years at GDRMS, enjoyed using BrainPop last year and is excited to integrate BrainPop Science into her instruction. She employs a scientific strategy known as CER—Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning—where students make a claim, support it with data, and use scientific reasoning to explain how their evidence backs up their claim.
When asked about BrainPop Science, Mrs. Theriault shared that it “allows for real-time data collection for teachers and students to practice their content reading and evidence-based writing." Mrs. Theriault continued that BrainPop Science allows for "real-world connections that allow students to apply their critical thinking during interactive simulations.”
Students are also enthusiastic about the software. One student mentioned that BrainPop Science “allows me to be independent, but ask questions if I get stuck.” Another appreciated that “it offers me a few different ways to learn.”
With BrainPop Science, our students learn science fundamentals and develop critical thinking skills that will prepare them for high school and beyond. Its engaging content and real-world connections make BrainPop Science a valuable standards-aligned resource in our commitment to top-tier science education at GDRMS.