For Dana Wilde, a teacher at Morgan Middle School in Morgan Utah, Research Quest has become a valuable tool for creating interactive, hands-on learning experiences. By using the program’s investigations, Dana helps her students connect directly with science in ways that feel engaging, meaningful, and exciting.
Dana appreciates how easy the program is to use, noting, “I highly recommend the investigations found on Research Quest. The modules are easy to use, and there is a convenient class login code to get students started. I liked the self-pacing format, and the engaging, interactive way students can investigate and gather data. My students enjoyed their time discovering through the interactive modules.”
Turning Lessons into Discovery: Insect Apocalypse
One investigation that particularly captured her students’ attention was Insect Apocalypse. Dana explains, “The dissection component, where students identified what insects the bats had eaten, was a huge hit! They were fascinated by the real-world application and loved putting their observational skills to the test. Measuring and identifying the jaw bones of the different types of bats also sparked great discussion and curiosity.”
This module allowed students to practice essential scientific and analytical skills. Instead of simply memorizing facts, students actively observed, analyzed data, and drew conclusions. Dana notes, “Overall, students were fully immersed and excited throughout the experience. The activities helped them practice observation, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning in ways that felt real and relevant.”
Inspiring Future Scientists
Dana’s experience with Research Quest shows how interactive, virtual investigations can transform classrooms into spaces of discovery. By engaging students in meaningful, hands-on activities, the program helps them develop critical thinking, observation, and analytical skills while fostering curiosity and a love for science.
Research Quest is a program of the Natural History Museum of Utah in partnership with The Utah Education Network
