Read What LabLearner Schools Have to Say About:

 

Standardized Testing

Brian Palmer, Principal
Bottineau Elementary School is in the third year using LabLearner. We have been greatly pleased with the enthusiasm LabLearner has created with our students in their feelings about science. Not only does LabLearner strengthen our students’ science skills, but it also strengthens their math, vocabulary and writing skills. After the first year of using LabLearner we saw growth of 5% with our 4th grade state assessment results. We are excited for the future as we have the program in our school for many years to come. We anticipate the student growth we have seen over a short period will only become greater over the future years.

Robbie, Student
I was accepted into an elite magnet program for high school – Wheeler Math and Science. I did exceptionally well on the science portion of the admissions test because of my rich background with the LabLearner program. Thank you, LabLearner.

Linda Milewski, Principal
Blessed Trinity introduced LabLearner to their students in grades Pre-K to eight over four years ago.  This research-based program has definitely changed the overall student opinion of Science.  Just a few short years ago; the majority of students did not enjoy Science class. With this hands-on approach our students are interested in Science and eager to learn.  Standardized test scores have shown a positive increase in student scores.  I strongly believe that this increase is due to the Lab Learner program.

Jacqueline Edelmann, Teacher
This is our fourth year using the LabLearner program at The Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Our grades have steadily improved both during the school year and on standardized tests.

This indicates to me that LabLearner not only delivers content knowledge, but it also delivers the skills to comprehend and analyze any scientific information presented in standardized tests.  Students know how to read data tables, interpret graphs, and analyze experimental procedures and results.  It is challenging, and they rise to the challenge.

In the first half of our first year with LabLearner, I often heard “what do I need to know for the test?” Once students came to understand that we were focusing on exploring, experiencing, and proving concepts through hands-on investigation they stopped asking that question.  They haven’t looked back!  Students know that they are expected to think more deeply, to make predictions, to develop and practice their skills of analysis and investigation, and to apply their understanding to real-life situations.  They know how to identify problems and find solutions to those problems. They also know that the more effort they put in, the more they get out of the LabLearner program.

Each year now, I’ve had high school students come back and thank me for the experiences they had with LabLearner in middle school at The Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  Each one has told me how much it gave them a leg up for high school science.  They know how to use the equipment, proper lab procedures, and best of all, how to think.

I run lab investigations for preK-3 students up through 8th grade.  Every week I hear from parents of all age children how much their children love Science.  I hear stories of students “turning around” and loving Science because of how they experience it at The Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  While I certainly will take some credit, the majority of the credit must go to LabLearner for the richly engaging program they provide.

 

 

Change in Student Thinking

Sr. Mary Sue Carwile, Principal
One of the greatest strengths of the LabLearner program is its emphasis on meta-cognitive skills. Saint James students do not just absorb content, but rather think about the process and reflect on their learning at every step of the scientific method. This is in keeping with the program’s Information Processing Model and spiral curriculum that sets out to continually address critical scientific themes across elementary and middle school grades. The depth of material that each unit reaches and the emphasis placed on critical thinking, active instruction, and prior learning, in keeping with the educational philosophy of Saint James and the IHM sisters, make the science curriculum authentic and enriching for all students.

Kathleen Kenney, Teacher
My students enjoy using the LabLearner program because every child can be involved in the construction of the demonstration, recording information, and analyzing the results.  I am happy to see that they are more focused on the science tasks than they had been in past years.  My students ask thoughtful questions in response to what happens during the investigations.  I can see them mentally putting 2 and 2 together while they try to connect each investigation to the last one.  The fact that LabLearner investigations spiral and constantly reinforce concepts with each lesson is great!  It’s like a built in review!  The material is sometimes complicated and presents concepts on a higher level than my students are used to, but the program also lets the children learn the information step-by-step.  They’re not just reading about the scientific principles; they’re witnessing them firsthand.

Caterina Cuoco, Teacher
Every LabLearner investigation gives the students a better understanding of what is focused on during the hands-on lab as the vocabulary words for each lesson beforehand are a great key in preparation. Each unit allows a good understanding of the main topics covered, which relate to daily life. Evidence has shown the students have scored high in each assessment for every lab lesson, which is based on the visuals, lab results and understanding of each investigation.

Erin Jakowenko, Teacher
LabLearner has been a real game-changer for our students and we couldn’t be happier or more pleased that we brought the program to our school. From day one of the program, it caught our students’ attention. They were focused and driven. They worked together towards a common goal. They became the scientists leading the class and discussions, smoothly performing the labs and continuing with the performance assessments.

I have not seen such a genuine interest in exploring our world as I have with LabLearner. The students are engaged and on task and have begun to think deeper about core concepts and utilize those higher-order thinking skills we so desperately seek as educators. I can honestly say it’s because of the structure of the program and the thorough explanation of concepts that has brought such a depth of knowledge to our students. I am so grateful that I teach in a school that uses the LabLearner program!

 

 

Performance Metrics

Devin, Student
My older sister is taking freshman biology, and we are learning about some of the same things in seventh grade. LabLearner makes me feel smart.

Ann DiNovis, Teacher
Two of our 7th graders placed high in a competition called “You be the Chemist.”  Most other schools in the area had been preparing for this contest since September, but OMPH only found out about it in January. I credit LabLearner with how well our two 7th grades did in the contest because they are in the lab every week and doing a lot of chemistry.  One student came in third and is eligible to go to the state competition at Penn State. The other came in fourth and is the alternate for states.

My middle school students are using lab equipment that was only available to me in high school or college. They are making wet mount slides using cross-sectioning and latitudinal sectioning.  They can focus a microscope, and even magnify 1000 times using the oil immersion lens on our compound light microscopes.  Because of the program, my students know how to measure. They can use graduated cylinders, rulers, triple beam balances, spring scales.  They have a lot of practice graphing, and understand the difference between the dependent and independent variables, and where they belong on a graph.

Mike Ward, Teacher
I have gotten a lot of positive feedback from Nativity students who are/were in high school and have/had a better foundation for the specialized science classes there. I really believe in the value of the program, Students who have gone through LabLearner here tend to do very well in high school. They tell me so.

Brian Palmer, Principal
I have noticed in students writing and presentations outside of science the use of science vocabulary. For example, one student was sharing her story about marshmallows in her hot chocolate. She used the word buoyant to describe her marshmallows. She more than likely would not have used that word in her writing had it not been for the LabLearner curriculum.

Jacqueline Edelmann, Teacher
Each year now, I’ve had high school students come back and thank me for the experiences they had with LabLearner in middle school at The Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  Each one has told me how much it gave them a leg up for high school science.  They know how to use the equipment, proper lab procedures, and best of all, how to think.

Jackie, Teacher, Philadelphia
I use the Lab Learner program in grades 7 and 8.  The students love going into the lab once a week to explore the concepts learned.  When we de-briefed at the end of the year, the students shared that they prefer the hands-on aspects of Lab Learner much better than the science program used in the lower grades.   When alumni return to visit our elementary school, they always share that they feel prepared in high school for all the science classes due to the rigor of the Lab Learner program and the regular use of varied lab equipment.  Also, the math connection is strong and practical.  I watch my science students use algebra skills that they never thought they would use and become proficient in graphing the data.

 

Teaching

Stephanie Collins, Teacher
I would like to express my many thanks and overwhelming awe with this program. I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect, from implementation to daily lessons. You definitely have a winner.

I have been teaching for over 27 years and I was surprised how much my students didn’t know.  LabLearner has opened my eyes as well as my students’ eyes. I don’t know how I ever got along teaching without LabLearner.  I LOVE this program!!!

Sheila Korynta, Teacher
I have to let you know that our substitute teachers really enjoy coming into the lab to work with their students!! Amazing, huh? The substitute teachers appreciate that I set up the lab materials for them and they can proceed without any concerns. They know that our kids are SO LUCKY to have the LabLearner program here at Midway!!!

Customer Support

Anne Pede, Teacher
I just wanted to let you know how wonderful the teacher and student videos are.  The teacher video was extremely helpful in preparing for the lab and using the right terminology.  I am going to use the student video tomorrow and I feel that they will become more independent in the lab once they see the video.

Kim Bacher, Teacher
I am doing Earths Forces come the third week in October so I’m sure the videos will be up by them. They are extremely helpful! I look forward to them. Thank you for all you help with everything. You always answer my emails and explain everything with such detail! It’s great to be able to work with you and LabLearner! Keep up the good work!

Sarah Rae, Teacher
One of my favorite aspects of LabLearner is the availability of the staff for any questions I have about the curriculum–whether it’s about the content, materials, procedure, or otherwise.  Every time I’ve called, I’ve received prompt and thorough replies.  It’s so wonderful to be able to depend on that kind of customer service!

Career Awarness

Sarah Paquette, Teacher
We are nurturing the next generation of scientists.  Students need to know how their learning is relevant; why it matters. For each CELL students work through, they develop a list of possible STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers that use the concepts they are learning about in lab.

As a capstone project to our Simple Machines CELL, students in eighth grade put on their engineering hats. In small teams, they completely disassemble a multi-speed bicycle, record the simple machines within it, calculate mechanical advantages of the simple machines within it, calculate the total mechanical advantage of the bicycle, consider the logic of the simple machines operating to achieve the end function of the bicycle, completely reassemble the bicycle, and consider the forces involved in the functioning of the bicycle. Student Viewpoint:  “If this is engineering, I know what I want to do for a career.”

Professional Development

Angela Donnelly, Teacher
The LabLearner staff scientists were extremely knowledgeable, professional, friendly and organized.  They explained the program and materials in a way that made it easy to grasp, even on a very hot day in August.
 

Kelly Wolfe, Principal
The LabLearner Professional Development was very straightforward. They walked us through lessons and had us actually doing labs. They made us feel more confident in teaching this new program. We liked that there is a portal for the parents so they can help their child review. We can actually show them when we meet with them.

 

 

Student Testimonials

 

I like pouring and holding.  I like coloring in our lab books.  Isabelle, Kindergarten

I like pouring stuff into beakers. Kindergarten

I like pouring stuff and when we went fishing.  Emily, Kindergarten.

I like to do the stuff in the books.  Michaela, Kindergarten

I like science because we do adding more and subtracting stuff out.   Emily, Kindergarten

I like science because I love Mr. Bones (the LabLearner skeleton)!  Katie, Kindergarten

I liked using the eye droppers because they were fun sucking up the water.  Cameron, Grade 1

I liked putting the bear on the swing because I liked seeing it fall off.  Riley, Grade 1

I like the skeleton because his bones are cool.  Katie and I like the microscopes because you see small things big.  Marissa, Grade 1

Zooming the bears on Legos without seatbelts was really cool.  TJ, Grade 1

I like learning about the water cycle and I like to use the goggles.  Kelly, Grade 2

I like the lab because we learn about the rocks and the earth.  Antonio, Grade 2

I like the lab because we have a lot of fun.  I like the lab because we all get to hold beakers when we have gravel in them.  I like the lab because it makes me feel like a real scientist.  Sam, Grade 2

I like the lab because it’s fun to see something weigh more than something else.  And it’s fun to see how many drops of water it will take to make it heavier.  Also, it’s exciting to feel and smell the stuff like gravel and rocks and cereal and split peas.  Grace, Grade 2

I liked watching the light bulb light up!  Billy, Grade 3

It’s fun because you get to explore things you don’t often see.  Erin, Grade 3

I like LabLearner because you get to be with friends and you get to do all sorts of cool experiments.  Nick, Grade 4

One thing about LabLearner is that we get to do cool experiments and I hope we get to do more and more throughout the year.  Elizabeth, Grade 4

What I like about LabLearner is doing different experiments with my friends.  Patrick, Grade 4

I like being able to measure things on the triple beam balance.  Also, it’s so fun to find out who the “mad scientists” of the week will be!  Jennifer, Grade 4

The science lab is really cool because we get to use simple machines.  Mackenzie, Grade 5

I think the Investigations are sometimes really hard but it is still a very, very, very, x1000 good program.  Also, I love science!  Teresa, Grade 4

I feel good about learning and experiencing in the new science lab.  Francesca, Grade 4

I think the science lab is a terrific way to learn.  Julia, Grade 4

I like the science lab because we get to work with partners and we get to use a lot of cool science stuff.  Paige, Grade 4

We like the science lab because we get to work with lab partners and do different experiments with water, baking soda, vinegar, thermometers, beakers, and lab coats.  Meghan, Grade 4

I like our new science lab because it makes learning more fun!  Brieanna, Grade 4

Did you know that the science lab has lots of materials like chemicals and various elements?  Joey, Grade 5

My favorite lab project was in CELL one.  It was when we used chemicals on the unknown substances to see if it will have a chemical reaction.  It was fun and looked cool.  Brendan, Grade 6

LabLearner is fun!  We get to do cool experiments!  Did you know that we see different phases of the moon because of the sun’s reflection?  Shannon, Grade 6

The LabLearner makes me feel smart.  I love to get into my group and discuss the lab.  Francis, Grade 7

It’s fun working in your lab group when everyone gets a chance to do something.  Elizabeth, Grade 7

I think it’s more fun to do hands on stuff than reading from a textbook.  Victoria, Grade 7

It really challenges you and that’s good.  Emily, Grade 7

I think LabLearner challenges us to employ higher thinking that will help us in high school.  Caitlin, Grade 7

It encourages me to love science, Kim, Grade 7

We are in the lab to experiment and to use knowledge.  Victoria, Grade 8

You get to enjoy working in a group and helping each other out.  Erica, Grade 8

We get to feel the things that we learn about there.  It also encourages young kids to learn more about science.  Deanna, Grade 8

I enjoy going to lab because every Monday morning when I remember that it’s pre-lab day, I get excited to learn how and what we are going to discover in the next day’s lab class.  Dan, Grade 8

LabLearner makes me feel like a real scientist. Rather than having answers given to me by a teacher or textbook, my lab partners and I run through experimental procedures using real equipment to collect data. After analyzing the data, we discover the answers to questions. It’s the best way to learn! Sasha, Grade 8