Dedicated to designing sustainable systems to prioritize science in elementary settings
About
The ASCEND K–5 project, based out of the Lawrence Hall of Science’s Center for K–12 Science, is committed to addressing the persistent challenges facing science teaching and learning in elementary schools. Building on the momentum of recent reports including NASEM’s Science and Engineering in Preschool Through Elementary Grades: The Brilliance of Children and the Strengths of Educators and the Call to Action for Science Education, ASCEND K–5 brings together researchers, education leaders, and practitioners who are dedicated to taking tangible actions to prioritize equitable access to K–5 science in their systems.
Events
October 28–29, 2024: Advisory Board Meeting (in-person) Berkeley, CA
Experts from the nationwide elementary science community will convene for a two-day summit aimed at providing a broad range of insights and constructive feedback at the early stage of the ASCEND K–5 project launch. The primary goal will be to pinpoint and articulate the most critical challenges in elementary science education, prioritize them based on their potential impact, and identify and prioritize key stakeholder groups. Through collaborative discussions, participants will envision actionable strategies for ASCEND K–5 to build and sustain a dedicated network to address these challenges effectively.
Fall 2025: Presentations at National Conferences (specific conferences to be determined)
Project Advisors
The ASCEND K–5 Advisory Board brings together an exceptional group of educators, researchers, and leaders from across the nation, each with a wealth of experience in advancing science education. Members of the advisory board specialize in areas such as curriculum development, instructional leadership, equitable STEM education, and professional learning. Their expertise spans classroom teaching, district administration, and state-level education initiatives, ensuring a deep understanding of both practical and systemic challenges. With backgrounds in science education reform, NGSS-aligned instructional materials evaluation, and the promotion of culturally responsive teaching practices, this board serves as a critical think tank for driving innovation in K–5 science education.
Project Team
The Center for K-12 Science at The Lawrence Hall of Science project team comprises a dedicated team of educators, researchers, and leaders focused on advancing inclusive and equitable science education. The team specializes in the design and implementation of high-quality instructional materials, professional learning experiences, and capacity-building initiatives. With extensive expertise in areas such as systemic science education reform, literacy integration, multilingual learning, and equity-focused teaching practices, the team collaborates with schools and districts nationwide to transform science education through research-based strategies and innovative approaches.