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
Deep Sea Creatures: Who am I? Safari Limited Toob sort
Montessori inspired 3 part sort. Students will learn about the ocean zones and 7 deep sea creatures as they match the photo with the name and creature description. Pair with Safari Limited Deep Sea Toob for additional hands-on component. Pair with Oceans Zone activity sheet for Deep Sea and Ocean creature sort.
1st - 5th
Biology, Reading, Science
NGSS
K-ESS3-1
, 3-LS4-3
, 2-LS4-1
+2
Safari Unlimited Human Organs 4 sorts in 1 package
Interactive Science Learning Through Systems ThinkingThis hands-on Human Organs Sort invites upper elementary and middle school students to explore how their bodies work—one clue at a time. Students read rich, riddle-style descriptions of major organs and match them with the correct name or image, building knowledge of function, location, and system roles through play and discovery. This resource is perfect for any educator looking to deepen understanding of body systems through active learnin
4th - 10th
Anatomy, Biology, Health
NGSS
4-LS1-1
, MS-LS1-2
, MS-LS1-3
+2
Endangered Species Sort Safari Limited Toob 5-7 sorts in 1 package
Learn About At-Risk Animals Through Inquiry, Classification, and PlayThis interactive endangered species sort invites students to explore real-world science topics like habitats, ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation. Students read engaging animal description cards and match them to labeled species photos or figures (optional: Safari Ltd. Endangered Species TOOB). Each description includes rich detail on why the animal is endangered, where it lives, and how humans are working to protect i
3rd - 6th
Biology, Geography, Reading
NGSS
MS-LS2-2
, 5-LS2-1
, 3-LS4-3
+5
Showing 1-5 of 5 results
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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