Mark Rober's CrunchLabs Unveils Free Science Curriculum for Grades 6-8
CrunchLabs, the maker of STEM activity kits for kids founded by NASA engineer turned YouTube science communicator Mark Rober, has launched Class CrunchLabs, a collection of free standards-aligned science curriculum resources that combine video storytelling with hands-on classroom challenges. The effort is backed by a $7.2 million grant to create the CrunchLabs.org Foundation, a nonprofit "dedicated to revolutionizing science education in a way that promotes critical thinking and inspires lasting curiosity and confidence in STEM," according to a news announcement.
Developed in collaboration with a community of teachers who co-design and pilot lessons as "Class Catalysts," the Class CrunchLabs curriculum will cover topics ranging from energy to ecosystems to the solar system and beyond, the company said. Materials include a teaching guide, classroom slides, student readings and handouts, assessments, and instructional videos featuring Rober alongside "Science Bob" Pflugfelder, celebrity guests, and student co-hosts. All units undergo review by the National Science Teaching Association to ensure they are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and other state science standards.
New curriculum materials will be released on a rolling basis, beginning with "Mission Maglev," a unit on electric and magnetic forces that invites students to "act as scientists and designers as they test theories, build models, and witness physics in action." Each unit is "designed in a way that turns science from something students study into something they do," the company emphasized.
"The CrunchLabs.org Foundation is here to make science exciting and accessible for every student," commented Executive Director Tara Graham, a former educator and ed tech leader whose background includes stints at Barnes & Noble Education, Course Hero, and Udemy. "Class CrunchLabs gives teachers the tools and students the experiences to make that possible, regardless of background or budget."
"Science should be hands-on and fun," said Rober. "The Foundation will allow us to make sure every kid gets the thrill of discovering how the natural world works. That's the greatest superpower I can think of."
For more information, visit the Class CrunchLabs site.
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Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].