Building Science Confidence in Grades K-8
What if the solution to Michigan’s science knowledge gap was hiding in plain sight—in students’ natural desire to build and discover? When 65% of teachers report that students only have a surface-level understanding of content, yet recognize science skills are critical throughout life, hands-on learning offers a proven pathway forward.
The Testing Trade-Off
Michigan school districts focus on Math and ELA because they're heavily tested, resulting in less instructional time for science and social studies in elementary school. This leaves students with gaps in science knowledge.
When Did Science Stop Feeling Like Discovery?
Without foundational knowledge and vocabulary, science lessons feel confusing, leading students to memorize rather than understand. Science teacher Kaj Holm and the Paw Paw Middle School team recognized the stakes. “Students may find more difficulty than they should, which can change the pathway of ‘I like this and I’m good at this’ to ‘I don’t like this and I’m not good at this’, because they lack that solid foundation of science knowledge,” Holm said.
Reigniting Wonder Through Play
Holm and his science teammates adopted LEGO® Education Science to engage students with new hands-on experiences that inspire students’ curiosity and ignite meaningful learning. With 40 ready-to-teach lessons for grades K-8, it's a standards-aligned solution that complements their existing curriculum while nurturing students' love of learning.
Building Principal Jerry McDaniel supported their vision while acknowledging common concerns. “The natural hesitation for teachers was that students weren’t going to take it seriously. Parts were going to get lost,” McDaniel explained. “In the end, we decided to give students the opportunity to do the right thing—and they’ve done it.” This administrative trust, combined with Holm’s enthusiasm for inquiry-based learning, opened the door for creativity.
For example, what would happen if students could explore energy, not just read about it? Students’ favorite lesson "Energy Booster” (aligned with the NGSS MS-PS3-5 standard) created “wow moments” as students built and rebuilt a kicking device and a car to explore energy transfer. This tapped into their natural desire to explore and problem-solve.
From Confusion to Confidence
When struggling students build with their hands, the conceptual bricks click into place. According to a recent study, interactive learning delivers results: 7 in 10 global teachers believe learning through play improves test scores and attendance, and 82% want more hands-on learning tools.
Paw Paw’s approach—hands-on learning tools, collaboration time, and vertical alignment—creates meaningful outcomes. When students build and experiment rather than simply memorize, they develop competence and confidence.
As Kaj Holm reminds us, "It's not about coming into science thinking, 'I've got to take out my textbook', or ‘I’ve got to do vocabulary’. It's about increasing their belief that they can do it and the chance to wonder.”
Want to transform your science classroom with confidence and curiosity? Meet your LEGO Education representative at MEMSPA's 100th Annual Conference from Dec. 3-5 or visit LEGOeducation.com.