Testimonial from Ella Coy
For Ella Coy, a 6th-grade science teacher at Valley View Middle School in Salem, Utah, Research Quest has transformed the way her students engage with science. She describes the lesson What is Killing the Trees? as a standout experience, both for its relevance and its alignment with curriculum standards. “The lesson was amazing. It aligned with the 6th-grade standard 6.4 ecosystems. It provided the GRC model, basing it on a phenomenon that was in Utah. My students were engaged the entire time.”
Engaging Students in Real Scientific Practices
Ella highlights how Research Quest allows students to actively participate in science rather than simply reading about it. “I liked that my students were able to actively participate in scientific research and be able to work like scientists.” By encouraging students to ask questions, gather evidence, and form conclusions, Research Quest shifts learning from memorization to authentic inquiry. Students become problem-solvers, investigating real-world challenges just as scientists do.
Bringing Real Science into the Classroom
What sets Research Quest apart, Ella emphasizes, is its foundation in authentic science. “Research Quest is a powerful program that helps students learn science concepts by doing science. Rather than just reading about scientific ideas or memorizing facts, students are invited to think and act like scientists—asking questions, gathering evidence, and forming conclusions.”
Because Research Quest is developed by a natural history museum, her students have access to specimens, data, and case studies drawn directly from museum collections. “This connection to real science—not textbook simulations—makes the experience more engaging and meaningful. Students aren’t just completing activities; they’re exploring fossils, ecological data, and archaeological evidence to solve mysteries grounded in actual research.”
Supporting Standards and Inspiring Curiosity
For teachers, alignment with learning standards is essential, and Ella appreciates how Research Quest naturally supports deeper learning goals. “As a teacher, I appreciate how seamlessly Research Quest aligns with NGSS and supports deeper learning. It sparks curiosity and encourages students to think critically, collaborate, and communicate their ideas.”
A Rigorous and Exciting Classroom Tool
Ella’s classroom experience shows how Research Quest can transform middle school science into a hands-on, inquiry-driven process. By combining authentic scientific investigations with curriculum standards, Research Quest provides both rigor and excitement. As Ella puts it, “It’s an excellent resource for any middle school science classroom looking to build scientific thinking in a way that’s both rigorous and exciting.”
Research Quest is a program of the Natural History Museum of Utah in partnership with The Utah Education Network
