This self-paced online workshop introduces teachers to the Storyline Instructional Model—an approach that helps students build scientific understanding through a coherent, question-driven sequence of investigations. Instead of teaching isolated topics, the Storyline model organizes learning around a meaningful real-world phenomenon that students are motivated to explain. By the end of the workshop, educators will understand how to design instruction that is more coherent, more engaging, and more aligned with modern science education.
Understand what Storylines are and why they matter
The workshop defines the Storyline model and explains how it supports deep, three-dimensional learning. You’ll examine the instructional rationale behind Storylines and learn how this approach integrates Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts into a unified learning experience.
Master the two core routines that make Storylines work
The course breaks down the essential routines that drive every high-quality Storyline unit:
- Anchoring Phenomenon Routine
You’ll learn how to launch a unit by presenting a rich, authentic phenomenon or problem that sparks curiosity and motivates students to ask questions. This routine ensures that every subsequent lesson connects back to a shared purpose: explaining the phenomenon. - Navigation Routine
This routine helps maintain coherence across the unit. You’ll learn how to support students in mapping what they’ve figured out, what questions remain, and where their investigations need to go next. The workshop provides visible examples and practice opportunities, including analyzing navigation structures from sample units.
Learn how Storylines shift teacher practice
Teachers will explore what it looks like to move from delivering information to facilitating student-driven inquiry. You’ll dive into the practical components required for success, including collaboration, materials preparation, and strategies for maintaining student agency throughout the storyline.
Educators leave with:
- A clear understanding of how to design instruction anchored in real phenomena
- Practical routines they can use immediately to increase coherence and student engagement
- A framework for supporting student agency and deeper reasoning
- Tools for transitioning from topic-based lessons to phenomenon-driven investigations
- Increased confidence using Storylines as part of their instructional practice
This workshop is ideal for teachers who want to strengthen sense-making, improve student motivation, and build cohesive learning sequences rooted in authentic scientific work.
Self-paced online course
- Total time: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on reflection and practice
- Includes videos, model examples, classroom tools, and application exercises
- Designed for independent learners or collaborative PLC use
- Accessible on-demand for flexible completion
- Science teachers new to Storylines
- Educators implementing three-dimensional instruction
- Teachers seeking structured routines to support student-driven learning
- Curriculum leaders or coaches supporting NGSS-aligned instruction
- Anyone looking to move beyond fragmented, topic-based teaching