Skip to main content

Methods to Optimize Contextualized Science Instruction (MOCSI)

Methods to Optimize Contextualized Science Instruction (MOCSI)

2025 - 2029

Goals

The goals of the Methods to Optimize Contextualized Science Instruction (MOCSI) project are to:

  • Improve science instruction in K-12 schools through connections to authentic contexts in teacher and student education
  • Bring the strengths of field science learning to a wider audience

Through the MOCSI project teachers will have the opportunity to engage in learning that supports the use of contextual information from field experiences and curated multimedia sources in your science instruction. Teachers also participate in research focused on their experience in the program. Stipend and university credit are available for participation.

What are Data Nuggets?

As part of the project we are partnering with the Data Nuggets team. Data Nuggets are free classroom lessons, co-designed by scientists and teachers, designed to bring contemporary research and authentic data into the classroom.

Participation

As a 2026 participant you will:

  • Attend 3 Data Nugget virtual training sessions
  • Teach Spider Data Nugget which compares spider webs in rural and urban environments (1-2 class periods)
  • Be observed as you teach Data Nugget
  • Complete an interview with a researcher
  • Receive a stipend of $400 for your involvement

If you are interested in participating in Spring of 2026 or future stages of the project, please fill out this survey.

Spider web with dark paper behind it

Dr. Hawn and accompanying scientists took pictures of spider webs out in the field.

Project Team: