SciDesigns
9 Followers
Missoula, Montana, United States
About the store
I’m a former research scientist with a Ph.D. in Microbiology who traded the lab bench for classrooms, field trips, and science centers. For over a decade, I’ve been designing and delivering hands-on, real-world science experiences for learners from preschool to high school.
I’ve created everything from interactive exhibits and elementary camps to high school research programs and field trips across all science disciplines. I also train scientists and role models in how to connect with students through engaging, tactile activities that stick.
My work blends my background in research with a deep commitment to access, curiosity, and joyful discovery—and I draw on a trusted network of experts to ensure the science is accurate, inspiring, and age-appropriate.
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Ocean Zones and Ocean and Deep Sea Animal Sort and Work
Uses photos of animals form Safari Limited Deep Sea and Ocean Toobs. 19 animal cards with names and the meters they can be found living in the ocean. Sheets for older kids to sort 5 ocean zones and sheets for younger kids to short 3 ocean zones/ Zone cards and meters deep are provided. Perfect supplement to Montessori's Second Great Lesson: The Coming of Life.
PreK - 3rd
Biology, Math, Science
NGSS
K-ESS3-1
, 3-LS4-3
, 2-LS4-1
Safari Unlimited Desert Animals Toob 6 sorts in 1 package
This Desert Animals TOOB Sort gives students an engaging way to explore desert ecosystems, animal classification, and adaptations for survival through real photos, sorting activities, and Who Am I? riddle cards. Designed to pair with the Safari Ltd Desert Animals TOOB®, it encourages curiosity, vocabulary development, and critical thinking—without screens or fluff. ✨ What’s Included: Photo cards of 11 desert animals + 1 cactus (Scorpion, Roadrunner, Mountain Lion, Horned Lizard, Bobcat,
PreK - 2nd
Biology, Reading
NGSS
1-LS1-1
, 2-LS4-1
, K-LS1-1
+1
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About the store
Experience
I’m a former research scientist with a Ph.D. in Microbiology who traded the lab bench for classrooms, field trips, and science centers. For over a decade, I’ve been designing and delivering hands-on, real-world science experiences for learners from preschool to high school.
I’ve created everything from interactive exhibits and elementary camps to high school research programs and field trips across all science disciplines. I also train scientists and role models in how to connect with students through engaging, tactile activities that stick.
My work blends my background in research with a deep commitment to access, curiosity, and joyful discovery—and I draw on a trusted network of experts to ensure the science is accurate, inspiring, and age-appropriate.
Teaching style
I believe kids learn best through play, exploration, and real-world problem solving. My resources are grounded in the Montessori philosophy—you’ll find real photos, tactile sorting, and hands-on tasks that spark curiosity. I draw inspiration from Mystery Science, layering inquiry-based learning with storytelling and critical thinking. Whether it’s identifying organs with a life-sized body or tracing the journey of oxygen, my goal is to make science real, relatable, and fun.
Awards & shining teacher moments
As the project manager and lead educator at EmPower Place, I helped create a first-of-its-kind family learning center—embedded directly inside a food bank. It combined a library, a science center, and a meal site to provide equitable access to hands-on learning for all ages.
Our innovative model was recognized globally with the International Visitorship Award from the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)—honoring our impact on community learning and accessibility.
This work reminded me that learning happens everywhere—not just in classrooms. It also reinforced why I design resources that are inclusive, practical, and rooted in real-world connections.
My own education history
BS: Animal Science, University of Delaware
PhD: microbiology, University of Virginia
postdoctoral fellow: NIH, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases.
Additional biographical information
I love to mountain bike and surf :)
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