PLI #7

About the Session

Buckle up for an energy-packed look into Rocks vs Big Rigs.

Welcome to Class CrunchLabs (CCL), a completely free, NGSS-designed (phenomena and problem-based) curriculum resource composed of short, modular units packed with videos, activities, googly eyes, and serious science sensemaking.

In this session, we’ll join YouTuber Mark Rober and his unit co-hosts as they navigate the Rocks vs Big Rigs storyline [MS-PS3-1 & MS-PS3-5]. We’ll explore how to lead classroom investigations designed by the CrunchLabs toy engineers, teach with interactive video assessments, track student progress using Mission Logs (student portfolios) and reflection activities, plus more.

Curious about teacher and student supports? Our curriculum writers will host these discussions firsthand and answer your questions. We’ll also explore how to customize the curriculum to fit your classroom, all while keeping our eyes on the ultimate goal: sparking student curiosity and boosting creative confidence. Of course, we'll engage in plenty of purposeful play, which may or may not include your very own mini-rigs, ramps, and a gravel bed that may surprise you.

Please Note: Mark Rober will not attend this session, but he may share a video message for early adopters. Don't miss out!
 

Takeaways

• Gain a clear understanding of how to implement CCL's NGSS-designed, phenomenon-based science units and promote sensemaking through hands-on investigations into kinetic energy.
• Explore effective strategies for using CCL's interactive video assessments, Mission Logs (student portfolios), and reflection activities to track and support student progress.
• Discover ways to customize and adapt this playful, engaging curriculum to spark student curiosity and build creative confidence in your classroom.
   

Presenters

Jesse Semeyn

Jesse has more than 20 years of experience in science education, spanning roles as a middle school science teacher, district science instructional coach, and science content specialist for the Illinois State Board of Education. He has evaluated NGSS-designed curriculum through Achieve's EQuIP Peer Review Panel and with NSTA, and has spent the past five-plus years developing curriculum and assessments grounded in the three dimensions of the NGSS. Jesse also serves as a professional learning facilitator for NSTA. He is excited to bring that passion to Class CrunchLabs, helping to create an innovative, NGSS-aligned curriculum that has students talking about science long after the bell rings, and that’s free for teachers.

Megan Kuehl

Megan Kuehl is a curriculum developer at Class CrunchLabs. Her background spans classroom teaching across grades 1–12, outdoor education, and over a decade of science curriculum and assessment development. Megan finds joy in creating experiences that help students discover their scientific selves and see how science shows up in their daily lives. She's thrilled to bring that enthusiasm to her curriculum work at Class CrunchLabs.

Adam Hutz

Adam Hutz is an educator-turned-product designer for Class CrunchLabs. With over ten years of teaching experience in secondary and post-secondary classrooms, Adam brings his enthusiasm for facilitating “aha!” moments to curriculum development. As part of the team responsible for designing engaging and unique hands-on activities, Adam hopes to make every classroom a little more crunchy.

Spencer Martin

Spencer Martin is the Lead Curriculum Developer at Class CrunchLabs, a free, NGSS-designed curriculum delivered by YouTuber Mark Rober. Before joining CrunchLabs, he taught in the classroom and worked as a district science coordinator and developed science curriculum for 15+ years. Spencer now helps support teams in building coherent STEM units that make science playful and engaging while still giving students the chance to dig deep and make sense of big ideas.

Tara Graham

Tara Graham is Executive Director at CrunchLabs.org, where she leads the launch of Class CrunchLabs, a free, NGSS-designed curriculum delivered by YouTuber Mark Rober. With 15+ years at the intersection of education, technology, and media, she has led product and business development in both public and private edtech companies. Tara received Fast Company’s 2022 World Changing Ideas award for a curriculum-sharing marketplace her team launched during the COVID pandemic. Her early career included teaching and curriculum development at UC Berkeley, along with founding roles in digital journalism and media startups.