Students in Alpine School District are about to experience science like never before, with the launch of ASD OpenSciEd, a newly developed elementary science curriculum designed by district educators to inspire curiosity and make science engaging for young students.
Developed by the curriculum department and elementary science team, ASD OpenSciEd provides a comprehensive science program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The curriculum combines engaging lessons, hands-on investigations, assessments, and instructional supports into a cohesive learning experience that will be used in classrooms throughout the district.
“This is a major milestone for Alpine School District,” said Sam Rencher Director of Curriculum at Alpine School District. “For the first time, our elementary teachers have access to a comprehensive, standards-aligned science curriculum developed specifically for Utah students. It provides teachers with high-quality lessons, resources, and instructional supports that make effective science teaching more accessible in every classroom.”
Teachers engaging in experiments at an OpenSciEd summer learning conference
Inspiring Curiosity and Preparing Students for the Future
At its core, ASD OpenSciEd is designed to help students experience science as scientists do—through exploration, investigation, and discovery.
Instead of simply learning scientific facts, students will engage with real-world phenomena, ask meaningful questions, gather evidence, and develop explanations. These experiences help students build scientific understanding and problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
"ASD OpenSciEd ensures that every student has access to high-quality science instruction aligned to the Utah SEEd Standards," Rencher said. "The lessons are grade-level appropriate, build coherently from year to year, and help ensure that students develop both scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills throughout their elementary experience."
District leaders also recognize the growing importance of STEM education in preparing students for future opportunities. By fostering curiosity and analytical thinking at an early age, the curriculum helps students develop skills that will serve them well in school, careers, and everyday life.
"High-quality science instruction aligns directly with our Vision for Learning by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving while supporting achievement across all subject areas," Rencher added.
Built by Alpine Educators for Alpine Students
One of the most exciting aspects of ASD OpenSciEd is that it was developed by Alpine educators who understand the unique needs of local classrooms.
The curriculum builds upon the nationally recognized OpenSciEd framework while incorporating extensive district-created resources, including teacher manuals, student materials, pacing guides, academic vocabulary routines, assessments, and digital supports.
According to Elementary Science Specialist Danielle Kennedy, the process required thoughtful collaboration and a commitment to excellence.
"Creating this curriculum was much more than rearranging lessons," Kennedy said. "Our team carefully reviewed Utah science standards, learning expectations across grade levels, and the needs of Alpine teachers and students."
The project also demonstrates Alpine School District's stewardship of resources. By leveraging the expertise of district educators, ASD was able to create a customized curriculum that meets local needs while building long-term capacity within the district.
For Kennedy, the greatest reward is knowing the impact the curriculum will have on students.
"What excites me most is knowing elementary students will see themselves as critical thinkers and problem solvers," she said. "Those identities begin forming long before secondary school, and this curriculum helps create those opportunities for students in any K–6 classroom."
Teachers Excited for New Learning Experiences
Teachers across the district are enthusiastic about the opportunities ASD OpenSciEd will bring to their classrooms.
Ashley Hassell, a sixth-grade teacher at Forbes Elementary, is especially excited about the curriculum's emphasis on hands-on learning and student engagement.
"I'm looking forward to doing more experiments with my students," Hassell said. "When I do experiments with them, they are more likely to remember the material. That hands-on learning is very crucial for their understanding of science."
The curriculum also includes built-in supports that allow teachers to spend more time engaging students and less time searching for resources. Discussion frames, sentence starters, student notebooks, and structured investigations help create meaningful learning experiences while supporting student understanding.
As ASD OpenSciEd begins rolling out across the district, educators are excited about the possibilities ahead. The curriculum represents more than a new set of lessons—it reflects Alpine School District's commitment to excellence, innovation, and preparing students to become curious learners, critical thinkers, and confident problem solvers for years to come.
Teachers at an OpenSciEd summer learning conference