1. What are the benefits of enrolling in iExplore Academy?
iExplore Academy will transform your classroom by teaching you how to implement three dimensional learning to meet the intent of the Next Generation Science Standards. Exploration and discovery as teaching strategies have the power to engage all students and help make learning STICK. With 3D teaching and learning, you can create those “Oh! I get it!” moments in your classroom each and every day. Through our step-by-step foundation course, Explore To Aha!, you will put discovery-based strategies to work in your classroom while earning your Three Dimensional Learning Expert Certificate.
Beyond the course, you will be a part of an amazing group of like-minded educators through the Beyond The Aha! community, where you can get support and troubleshooting assistance when you need it. Through monthly meetings – like our Lunch and Learn Q&As and our Glow and Grow Feedback Sessions – you can get human support to help you apply what you’re learning to your classroom.
iExplore Academy was designed to put exploration, discovery, and three dimensional learning practices into the hands and minds of teachers across the United States. We’re making scientists and critical thinkers. We’re transforming education. We may be starting something big here… Will you join us?
2. How does iExplore Academy work?
All iExplore Academy courses are self-paced. You can work through each workshop and task when it’s convenient for YOU, and you have access to all of the material as long as you remain a member. Course modules include unique combinations of videos, workbooks, bonus resources, and even some audio-only versions.
To earn your Three Dimensional Learning Expert Certificate, you will need to complete all of the performance tasks in Explore To Aha!, our foundation course. The final task involves filming yourself carrying out a discovery-based learning lesson. (Don’t worry! These videos will be kept private unless you authorize us to share it with other teachers in the program. If filming is an issue in your school or distrit, we can also talk about alternatives.)
In addition to the coursework, you can count on SUPPORT. You are invited to be a part of the Beyond The Aha! community, where you can ask questions, bounce ideas, and simply engage with others who are likewise embracing discovery and exploration and the NGSS. This is also where you can get expert feedback from leaders like Nicole VanTassel and her team!
Finally, you’re invited to attend bonus interactive trainings, coplanning sessions, and other virtual community meetings throughout the month. You are never alone when you are a part of our community.
3. What types of resources are included in the program?
All teachers enrolled in the program have full access to our three dimensional learning courses, which include the introductory level Kickstart AHA!: Intro To The NGSS and our foundation course, Explore To Aha!. Additional courses are in the works, including Dive Into 3D and Cultivating Discovery Culture. Several modules have already been added to these courses to expand our teachers’ learning, and we will continue to do so based on teacher interest and needs.
Beyond the courses, all teachers have access to a variety of digital and PDF planning tools and resources. These are found within the course modules where they are most relevant. Lastly, our teachers can utilize complete sample storylines and a myriad of lesson plans designed to illustrate the different phases of three dimensional learning based on the 5E Model.
4. Can I get course credit?
We provide you with a Three Dimensional Learning Expert Certificate, which documents the 25 hours of work you put into Explore To Aha! It is up to your school or district to sponsor or provide the “official” professional development hours recognized by your state. To receive your certificate, complete and submit each Performance Task in the Explore To Aha! course modules. This includes the final project, where you will film yourself delivering a discovery-based lesson. Your certificate will be provided within 14 days of documented course completion.
5. Can I work with you individually?
Yes! Please contact nvantassel@iexplorescience.com to discuss options.
6. Do you accept Purchase Orders?
Yes, we accept Purchase Orders for teachers enrolling in the Trailblazer and Groundbreaker: Three Dimensional Leader Development Programs. Please contact nvantassel@iexplorescience.com with questions, or click here to request a quote.
7. Do you offer school and district discounts?
Yes! Please contact nvantassel@iexplorescience.com to receive a quote for schools or districts enrolling more than one teacher. In the email, please provide the number of teachers to be enrolled, the program level requested for each teacher (Trailblazer or Groundbreaker), as well as any other professional development services you may be interested in (see below).
8. What additional services do you provide schools and districts?
iExploreScience offers professional development tailored to the individual needs of schools and districts. This PD can be provided in a number of formats, including engaging presentation-style workshops (live or virtual), simulation lesson workshops, guided “plan and prep” sessions, curriculum development work, and individual coaching in the classroom.iExploreScience professional development programs focus on NGSS-style learning, discovery-based instruction, three-dimensional integration, and using the 5E Model. Within these broad topics, programs can be tailored to the needs of the school.
9. What if I have more questions about iExplore Academy?
I want all of your questions! Shoot me an email at nvantassel@iexplorescience.com.
10. What is your cancellation policy?
If you are not happy with your membership within your first 7 days, you can request a refund. After 7 days, you may cancel any future payments at any time. To cancel any future payments, submit your request here at least 48 hours prior to the payment processing date. Here’s our full Terms and Conditions.