Experiments and excursions that spark an interest in science.
About Us
We envision a world in which teachers are equipped with the resources, support and training to deliver inspiring, hands-on science curricula that promote critical thinking skills, spark interest in science, connect science to daily life and prepare students for 21st Century challenges and opportunities.
Our Mission
CityScience is committed to raising the quality of science education and supporting environmental stewardship. By using the natural and built environments of cities as laboratories for active learning, we transform teaching to make science relevant and engaging for PreK-12 students.
Core Beliefs
We believe science literacy will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of our world, and that all students deserve a high quality science education. Because science is best learned in connection to the communities in which we live, we have an obligation to integrate place-based ecology, earth science and an understanding of the local built environment into our urban education models.
As the number of people living in cities increases, so does the need for sustainable practices. We have an opportunity to inspire a new generation of urban conservationists by helping our youth understand and bond with their local environments.
What's Happening
Check out the CityScience Classroom and Project Grants page that was recently updated!
Our Educational Approach
1. Inquiry-based
Inquiry-based learning starts with a question. Scaffolded by teachers, students use tools to find information, explore causes and create meaning. In the process, they develop analytical skills and become group and individual problem solvers.
2. Exploratory
Scientific topics are more accessible and relevant when connected to the real world. Place-based lesson plans with hands-on experiments invite student exploration, allow differentiated learning and directly link science topics to life, community, neighborhoods and the future.
3. Integrated Curricula
Students benefit when science is taught with other subjects. An integrated science curriculum combines math, geography, social studies, and history. Mapping lesson plans between subjects creates thematic learning environments. When learning is organized around themes, students have more opportunities to practice interdisciplinary skills like literacy, numeracy, research and critical thinking.
4. Project-based
Students learn by making and sharing their outcomes. Experiences such as observing, experimenting, creating data, dissecting and journaling create opportunities for students to apply their learning. End of project portfolios and presentations celebrate student learning and achievement.