Integrating Authentic Research into the Classroom

Are you an educator in a Title I school looking to increase student engagement through authentic research projects?  If you want to learn how to guide your students through the process of conducting real research and designing their experiments, our team can help you integrate this into your classroom. 

Now booking sessions for Fall 2026

This program is grant-funded and would be of no cost to your school. 

Interest Form

Why You Should Participate: 

• Increases Student Engagement – Engaged students lead to a more dynamic and rewarding teaching experience.
• Aligns to Standards – Teaching authentic research supports science core ideas and science and engineering practices while also connecting to language arts and math standards.
• Gain Practical Strategies – Educators learn proven, step-by-step methods from experts to incorporate authentic research into daily lessons effectively.
• Receive Ongoing Support – Educators receive continuous coaching and guidance throughout the year on all aspects of authentic research, ensuring they have the resources and expertise they need.

Benefits for Students: 

• Builds Critical Skills – Engaging in authentic research helps students develop critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Encourages Scientific Thinking – Students act as scientists and engineers, learning to investigate and innovate.
• Inspires Passion for STEM – Hands-on research fosters excitement about STEM fields and potential future careers.
• Promotes a Growth Mindset – Students learn to view failure as a stepping stone to growth and improvement.

We offer two authentic research programs, depending on the grade level you teach:

What Do We Wonder (Grades 4–8)

A structured, multi-phase program that builds student inquiry skills and teacher capacity through hands-on classroom experiences and ongoing coaching.

• 3-day in-class experience with an Arizona Science Center facilitator (3 consecutive days)
• Students engage in a hands-on investigation modeling the scientific process
• Teachers implement a student engineering design project after the visit
• Virtual student follow-up session to reflect and extend learning
• Monthly coaching sessions to support classroom implementation
• Flexible outcomes: student research projects, inquiry-based learning, or a science fair

Advancing STEM Research in High Schools (Grades 7–12)

A flexible, partnership-based program tailored to support student research and project development based on each school’s needs.

• Virtual planning session to understand your school, students, and goals
• Option for 1–2 in-person classroom visits to build student interest in research
• Support in helping students develop projects using available resources
• Ongoing virtual coaching (teacher support, whole class, or small groups)
• Guidance on starting or strengthening a science fair program
• Optional support with event planning, attendance, and/or judging

INTEREST FORM