Becky Schnekser - Expedition Science: Empowering Learners through Exploration

Part fearless cave-exploring field researcher and part P. T. Barnum, with all the panache of a pro wrestling promoter, Becky Schnekser is every bit the science teacher that Ms. Frizzle aspired to be: colorful, vibrant, and larger-than-life. Brimming with ideas and busting with heart and humor on each page, Expedition Science is packed with all kinds of strategies to help teachers rekindle their passion and learn how to create classrooms that bring life, joy, and relevance back to a world of all-too-stodgy science classrooms. In a word? Its magic

John Meehan, author of EDrenaline Rush

Expedition Science is the science book Ive been waiting for my entire career. Becky makes science fun, she makes it important, her ideas make it engaging, and maybe most of all, Becky makes it doable for any teacher. Becky has been all over the world with National Geographic and knows how to teach kids and other teachers how to be science fanatics as well.

Adam Welcome, author of Teachers Deserve It

Now more than ever, its important to foster a love of learning science in students from a young age, and Expedition Science is a catalyst for that. After reading just the first chapter, I was excited to get back inside my own classroom the next day and start brainstorming ideas with my students. The examples Becky presents, the connections she makes, and the resources she provides are practical and easy to implement for educators at all levels.

Becky Thal, fifth-grade math/science teacher and educational consultant

If you were to close your eyes and imagine the perfect learning environment for your children, Beckys class is what youd envision. Expedition Science is the book that will help you to be the teacher youve always dreamed of being. It is a perfect mix of student-focused learning and engagement, practical pedagogy, and that sprinkle of magic that makes kids want to go to school.

CJ Reynolds, author of Teach Your Class Off

From expeditions across foreign lands to using Hot Wheels and VSCO girl personalities, educators everywhere are called to inspire discovery within the minds of our students. In this amazing book, Becky Schnekser not only shares why this is so vital but how it can be accomplished today, in your school, in your classroom, for your kids. I strongly encourage you to sit down, settle in, and get ready for an amazing educational expedition.

Dave Schmittou, author and full professor of educational leadership

Expedition Science is not just for science educators! This book is packed with teaching anecdotes and tips for educators looking to get their students ready for exploration. Becky Schneksers passion for teaching shines through on every page. She skillfully offers practical ideas on how to connect science to the various disciplines we teach. She shows the importance of making learning an experience.

Kevin Butler (@thekevinjbutler), elementary school teacher and director of curriculum and instruction

Becky Schnekser shares the personal journey that brought her to a deep love of science and science education, and her actual journeys to some of the most amazing places on earth, and connects these to the learning journey our students go through. Expedition Science is both a blueprint for creating powerful science classrooms (whether theyre inside walls or not) and an inspiration for all content-area teachers. Now, get out there and explore!

Denis Sheeran (@MathDenisNJ), author of Instant Relevance

Becky enthusiastically invites us all into her various classrooms and highlights in the most accessible way how important it is to bring science to life. Topics and strategies often discussed abstractly at professional development conferences and teacher trainings are made meaningful through real, messy, wonderful examples. Becky helps us imagine ourselves alongside her and her students as we go on multiple expeditions together. Just like her students, we are transformed into explorers and scientists. Reading Expedition Science will fill you with joy, hope, and plenty of inspiration.

Dan Kinzer, founder and guide at Pacific Blue Studios, National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow

Expedition Science beautifully captures what science education should be: experiences, discovery, inquiry and a love for the environment! Through the power of storytelling and flexible/mindful teaching, Becky Schnekser hits a home run her first time out. I look forward to her future contributions in this evolving but often overlooked space in education.

Jorge Valenzuela, education coach, author, and advocate

Expedition Schnekser is a map for innovation, engagement, and passion for science education. Readers will be inspired to explore and inquire thanks to Schneksers brisk and upbeat writing style. Keep this book at the top of your bookshelf!

Sean Gaillard, author of The Pepper Effect, podcaster, and principal

After growing up as a science nut, always wanting to blow stuff up or find how things worked, reacted, or moved, I became a science major in college. The focus of science stayed with me as an educator, always trying to bring the real world of exploration into my classrooms. Becky is the science teacher I wish I had. This book welcomes the reader to live vicariously through Beckys lens of science mania. Science is so much more than the world sees.

Jeff Kubiak, antiracist educator and author of One Drop of Kindness