Charlotte, NC – Minnesota Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Public Schools (GFW) today announced a new partnership with discovery education supporting the creation of engaging science lessons in K-12 classrooms across the district. In this new multi-year collaboration, educators at each GFW school will integrate Discovery Education’s suite of innovative digital resources into instruction to create dynamic learning experiences that spark students’ natural curiosity about science and the natural world. Discovery Education is the world leader in educational technology whose next-generation digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.
Located on the prairie of south-central Minnesota and serving students in the communities of Gibbon, Fairfax, Winthrop, and surrounding municipalities, GFW uses progressive technology applications to access educational resources from around the world. Parents cite small class sizes, school-age child care, early childhood programs, and co-curricular programs as desirable features of the school district. With a mission to develop future world-class leaders, GFW aims to provide all students with a quality and equitable education that meets the individual needs of students with instruction for the future.
As part of its ongoing effort to prepare students for success beyond graduation, GFW sought out digital resources that would drive a deeper engagement with science. These resources needed to be easy to use, accessible to all teachers and students, easily integrated into the district’s strong science program, and aligned with NGSS and Minnesota state standards.
After careful review of possible solutions, GFW selected Discovery Education to provide its district with the dynamic digital resources it needed. Resources coming to GFW schools include:
Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform. By connecting educators to a broad collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides an enhanced learning platform that makes it easy Daily, engaging instruction in any setting Sourced from trusted partners, these resources are aligned with state and national standards and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day. Through extended and long-standing partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.
pivot interactive. pivot, whatjoined the Discovery Education family of servicesin 2022, makes teaching science with active learning and scientific phenomena engaging and easy. Launched in 2012 by two visionary educators, the platform provides users with more than 10,000 authentic and interactive video-based science interactives created by Pivot’s team of curriculum experts and community of teachers. These resources, linked to state and national standards, are infused with research-based teaching practices and are easy to integrate throughout the instructional cycle.
Discovery Education Science Techbooks. The Discovery Education Science Techbook series is a comprehensive, research-backed science solution for grades K-12. Used in classrooms across the United States, Science Techbooks for elementary students drives engagement with exclusive interactive digital content and complementary print resources. Virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities, and instructional supports within Techbook enhance the delivery of impactful, blended instruction, in-person or remotely. Available with Science Techbooks are coordinated teacher guides that offer unit, concept, and lesson summaries, standards connections, and differentiation activities that inform instructional planning and guide three-dimensional learning. Teacher Editions also provide flexible pacing options, integrated teacher notes, and learning pathways that support diverse learners.
“At GFW, we work to ensure that all students can reach their full potential and become successful, responsible citizens in a diverse society with innovative technology and strong support from teachers,” said Superintendent Dr. Jeff Horton. “This new partnership with Discovery Education supports all educators as they engage students in our science curriculum.”
In addition to digital resources, all GFW educators using Discovery Education services will receive dedicated professional development from Discovery Education’s team of professional learning experts. These learning opportunities for teachers help school systems realize the full return on their investment in educational technology. Through these interactive professional development sessions, participants will learn best practices for integrating their new digital resources into instruction. Effective professional development maximizes the power of these resources, increases student engagement in learning, and supports the ongoing academic development of all students.
All GFW educators now also enjoy access to the Discovery Educator Network . The Discovery Educator Network, a global network of education professionals, connects members from all school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering the exchange of valuable ideas and inspiration.
“We at Discovery Education are thrilled to partner with GFW Public Schools to provide a quality and equitable education to all students,” said Katelin Greer, Discovery Education’s Coordinator of National Partnerships. “The district’s careful use of available funds is already being emulated throughout the region, and we look forward to supporting this important initiative as it unfolds.”
For more information about Discovery Education prizedigital resources, which can be purchased with federal stimulus funds—and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media via Twitterand LinkedIn.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the world leader in educational technology whose next-generation digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in more than 100 countries and territories. Inspired by global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with trusted districts, states and organizations to empower teachers with leading educational technology solutions that support the success of all students. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
eSchool Media staff cover educational technology in all its aspects, from legislation and litigation to best practices, lessons learned and new products. First published in March 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information needed to help K-20 decision makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and universities and achieve their educational goals.
