Testimonial from Sharla York
For Sharla York, a teacher at Heritage Elementary School in South Nibley, Utah, Research Quest has brought a fresh and engaging approach to science investigations in her classroom. By combining hands-on learning with collaboration and critical thinking, the program allows her students to experience science as active participants.
“Research Quest has been wonderful for providing a new and unique approach to investigating phenomena. My students worked collaboratively on the tasks, and they were required to communicate effectively in order to understand the material.”
Engaging Students in Collaborative Investigations
Sharla highlights how Research Quest promotes teamwork while encouraging students to think like scientists. During the What’s Killing These Trees? investigation, her students analyzed sections of a forest, collected data, and considered multiple factors that could be causing the trees’ decline. “My students practiced making observations to analyze sections of a forest and collect data before investigating the various factors that could be causing a decline in the lodgepole pines. The investigation offered a myriad of different ways in which students could access and compile the information before guiding them to deduce a cause to this phenomenon.”
Supporting Individual Learning and Differentiation
One of the strengths of Research Quest, Sharla notes, is its flexibility. The program allows students to work at their own pace, giving them the ability to support individual learners while other teams continue their investigations. “The program naturally promotes differentiation as it allows students to work at their own pace; during this time, I can support students individually while other teams complete their investigations.”
Fostering Success and Engagement
Sharla emphasizes that all her students stay engaged, actively participate, and develop skills in observation, analysis, and communication. “All students are engaged, thinking like scientists, actively participating, and successful. My students love this program, and I use it every year!”
A Program Students Love
Sharla’s experience demonstrates how Research Quest provides a flexible, collaborative, and meaningful science learning experience. By allowing students to work at their own pace while promoting critical thinking and teamwork, the program helps students develop the skills and confidence of real scientists.
Research Quest is a program of the Natural History Museum of Utah in partnership with The Utah Education Network
