Giving students a glimpse of real-life scientists can inspire them to seek out careers in science themselves. Through videos, virtual field trips, and activities, Thompson Earth System Institute's Scientist in Every School (SEFS) brings scientists and their research directly to K–12 educators and students across Florida (and beyond, via their YouTube channel).

LabXchange is pleased to announce our collaboration with the Thompson Earth Systems Institute and to make their learning resources available on our platform! Below, hear from Stephanie Killingsworth, K–12 Education and Outreach Coordinator, to learn more about SEFS and their content.

What does your organization do?

The Scientist in Every Florida School program matches scientists with K–12 public schools in Florida and provides teachers with useful professional development opportunities, resources, and support in the classroom. SEFS builds long-term, collaborative partnerships between teachers and scientists through a statewide professional learning community.

What's one fun fact that LabXchange users should know about your organization?

Though designed with a primary focus on Florida K–12 education, many of the SEFS resources align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the interests of science teachers and classrooms nationwide.

What motivates you to work in science education?

The dynamic nature of science and its many disciplines and niches is what draws me to science. I love investigating our natural world and asking questions. As coordinator for the SEFS program, I find my role rewarding in that I am able to curate the latest research findings, experts, and resources for Florida teachers and beyond in order to elevate the learning standards they teach. The information and collaborations I can provide bring real-world application and relevancy to the learning standards for teachers and their students.

Which content are you most proud of?

So much of our great content is experiential and place based, some of which can be found in recordings on our YouTube channel.

How can learners and educators best use your content?

Some of the most applicable content that is packaged, and ready-to-use would be the recordings mentioned previously. For example, our Ocean Expert Exchange series centers on all things marine science related and careers in the field. Each has carefully crafted extension activities for K–12 audiences grouped by grade band and with the learning standards in which it aligns.

There are also some great ArcGIS storyboards that have WebQuest worksheets to complement the story content. They are an engaging way for students to learn about science.

What does your organization have planned for the future?

We are always continuing to collaborate with scientists and principal investigators on National Science Foundation (NSF) funded projects. Such projects often involve teacher collaboration to co-develop lessons, activities, and materials that can be directly used in classrooms. As these materials are developed, we look forward to sharing more!

Finally, what's your favorite science joke/pun?

Too many to choose from, but I do have a large selection of biology and geology-based t-shirts with puns as a paleobiologist.

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Explore more resources from the Thompson Earth Systems Institute in the LabXchange library:

• Ocean Expert Exchange: Discovery of Potential Cancer Therapeutics From Marine Organisms (video)
• Hurricanes in Florida - What’s the Lingo? (worksheet)
• The Insect Effect: How Do Insects Help With Decomposition? (video)
• Planet Friendly Hurricane Prep (video)