Why Our Programs are Successful

Unique design and structure

• Our curricula are process-oriented, applying the method of inquiry to the study of each issue or concept. Our lessons and activities provide educators with step-by-step instructions to guide students through each investigation.

• We emphasize a non-biased philosophy. Teachers and students are introduced to a new way of thinking about their approaches to contentious issues. They learn strategies to identify and remove their own biases in order to facilitate inquiry and critical thinking.

• Our work incorporates the 3Es of sustainability  (environment, economics, and social equity) within a systems approach as a basis for examining issues and making informed decisions.

• We focus on a scientific process that includes historical information, hard science data collection, and social perspectives.

• Our programs diverge from the standard “cookbook” approach, allowing participants to solve problems in a variety of creative ways based on the evidence and data they have collected. 

• We actively engage teachers and students, encouraging students to become participants in the learning process through simulations and hands-on activities.

• Our curriculum units are designed to provide flexibility for teachers, with the option of using individual components as stand-alone activities within specific content areas.

Alignment with educational and professional standards

• All our curricula are aligned to national education standards in a variety of disciplines, including language arts, math, science, and social studies. 

• Our programs incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Initiatives by using hands-on science activities, computer technology (internet, probe ware, Skype communications, etc.), engineering, modeling, graphing, analysis, and computation skills. 

• We’re instilling 21st Century global competition skills by incorporating the concepts of global awareness; financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; learning and innovation; technology, communication and media; and life and career skills. 

• All PEL-designed curriculum units incorporate regional and national Professional Development Institutes to provide teachers will the best training possible.

Real-Life Application

• We work with partners to provide teaching materials, developing science kits or labs that relate specifically to the topic of the investigations. All participants receive a hard copy and a CD of all materials used in the unit. 

• Our trainings incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, including effective and innovative ideas, activities and methods; role-playing and simulations; and small group work and lab activities. 

• Our programs provide participants with networking opportunities, allowing teachers from all around the country to discuss best practices, share successful classroom activities, and form lasting professional connections. 

• Educators who successfully complete PEL Institutes have the option to receive graduate-level credits from the Colorado School of Mines at a minimal cost. 

• We encourage students to take the skills we’ve provided them and become active citizens of their communities, turning science lessons into service learning opportunities.

Commitment to Excellence

• Our curriculum units have been designed by professional curriculum writers who have decades of experience both writing curriculum and implementing it in the classroom. 

• All PEL Institutes are facilitated by professional, experienced classroom teachers who have successfully tried and tested the materials they’re presenting. 

• As new data and information becomes available, we constantly update and refine our curricula and programs. 

• Our programs have been implemented in hundreds of schools across the nation with tremendous success, and are extensively assessed by professional independent evaluators, who have consistently granted them high marks.