08 Jun
Supporting our LGBTQ+ Community
In recognition of Pride Month during June, we wanted to explain the ways we’ve incorporated LGBTQ+ inclusion into the design of Tyto Online. Inclusive Character Customization Unlike many kids’ games, we don’t have students pick a binary “male” or “female” when they create their character. They simply choose from many body types which could be
09 May
Accelerating Learning in ELA Through Science
In this final post on accelerating learning, I discuss how science instruction can strengthen learning in ELA.
29 Apr
Science Can Accelerate Math Learning
Part 2 of a 3-Part Series In Part 1 of this series, I discussed how deeper learning in science can accelerate learning in Mathematics and English Language Arts. This post digs deeper into the relationship between science and math. Let’s see how Tyto Online can strengthen math learning and combat learning loss. Side Note on
21 Apr
Deeper Learning in Science to Accelerate Math and ELA Learning
One way to address the pandemic-caused learning loss in math and English Language Arts (ELA) is through deeper learning in science!
15 Apr
Earth Day, Tyto-Style!
To celebrate Earth Day this year, we’ve compiled a few sustainability-focused activities you can do with Tyto Online! ACTIVITY 1 Bring a Planet to Lifein our Weather & Climate Sandbox In the ORB, students generate their own, lifeless planet and bring it to life by editing tilt, rotation, and air masses. After stabilizing their planet,
05 Apr
Repurposing the Family Tree
Our mutations storyline, ‘In Your Blood,’ features Arthur, a boy who looks into his genetic history to see where his gene for sickle cell anemia originated. To illustrate the inheritance of the sickle cell gene through the generations of Arthur’s family, we created this family tree: You may notice that there are actually two family
29 Mar
Our First Anti-Racist Storyline.
Research shows that when students learn from a standard biology curriculum about racial differences in genetic disease prevalence it can unintentionally increase genetic biases that are related to racist misconceptions. If biology education is a context where these biases develop unintentionally, then it should also be a place where they are challenged intentionally. Donovan, Et
23 Dec
Culturally Relevant Phenomena for Antiracist Science Teaching
Culturally Relevant Phenomena for Antiracist Science Teaching Anti-racist teaching requires a student-centered approach. Instruction should include active engagement in three-dimensional learning, formative assessment activities with feedback, and collaboration and communication. To make the content meaningful for learners, we should capitalize on our students’ interests. In this post, I’ll share examples of relevant phenomena to help
03 Dec
Introducing Observe-Wonder-Learn (OWL) Board Routine [Updated Jan 2021]
Introducing Observe-Wonder-Learn (OWL) Board Routine [Updated Jan 2021] You probably use routines in your daily life as well as your instruction. Routines make our lives a little easier. Routines are predictable and dependable. Being able to anticipate tasks promotes a feeling of safety for children, especially important during times of uncertainty. Equally important, routines make
31 Aug
Building Relationships with Students When Teaching Remotely
*A version of this blog post is also published on the Tyto Professional Learning Community on Mighty Network. With the new school year quickly approaching, I thought I’d share some ideas on how to build relationships remotely. I recently had to think about this with a Virtual STEM Summer Camp I ran. I think we
