In this episode, I’m joined by Marcie Samayoa—science teacher, cognitive science enthusiast, and blogger of Scientists in the Making. Marcie shares the origin story behind her innovative classroom blog and explains how it grew out of a desire to make science learning more equitable, evidence-based, and joyful.
We dive into some of the most persistent misconceptions in science education—like the idea that inquiry alone leads to deep understanding—and explore how cognitive science can help teachers design lessons that truly stick. Marcie walks us through how she translates research into daily practice, using explicit instruction in ways that honor both the spirit of NGSS and the realities of how students actually learn.
She also shares powerful classroom examples where applying cognitive science principles—like spaced retrieval and opportunities to respond—led to a dramatic shift in student outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Marcie’s message is clear: every student can become a scientist with high quality explicit instruction.
Lesson Example Using Teach FAST…
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