Global Science Adventures Start Here: Bringing STEM Learning to Afterschool Programs
What if science learning felt like an expedition where your students do real science for a real purpose—explore global locations, investigate intriguing phenomena, and tackle engineering challenges, all from your classroom or youth program?
For educators and out-of-school time (OST) professionals, engaging students in hands-on STEM learning can transform curiosity into deeper learning. Whether in an afterschool program, summer camp, or classroom, creating immersive science experiences helps youth build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
A Free STEM Resource for Educators and Afterschool Programs
Science is all about curiosity, discovery, and those unforgettable “Wait…WHAT?!” moments. At Mizzen Education, that’s exactly the kind of learning experiences we’re excited to make available.
Mizzen is a completely free platform designed for educators, youth development professionals, and out-of-school time programs. It gives you access to thousands of ready-to-use learning activities created by trusted content partners, from hands-on STEM to arts, literacy, wellness, and more.
Our mission is simple. We aim to bring you engaging, accessible learning resources, curriculum, and experiences, paired with powerful planning tools.
And now, a new science adventure has arrived.
Meet Go2Science: Real-World STEM Adventures for Youth
In the spirit of raising joyful investigators who see wonder everywhere, Mizzen is delighted to announce that Go2Science is now on the Mizzen Education platform!
Created by Beth and Curtis, Go2Science seeks to elevate science education in the out-of-school time community by immersing students in real-world research missions from coral reefs to lush rainforests to African savannahs. Alongside their crew of real scientists, they invite students into the exploration as if they were their colleagues, empowering them to become the critical and empathetic thinkers our world needs.
Meet Your Guides
Meet Beth
Presidential Award-winning educator and lifelong explorer, Beth brings real-world science to life through her love of engineering challenges, environmental education, technology, and outdoor learning spaces. After 25 years in the classroom, she now helps students everywhere investigate big questions and see themselves as scientists.
Meet Curtis
A scientist, environmental lawyer, explorer, and drummer, Curtis sparks curiosity by connecting real research, global travel, and big questions about our world. From fossil discoveries to environmental law, he brings authentic science experiences that inspire students to think in new ways.
“My students and I were completely hooked from the first day. I’ve watched science continue to come alive for my students every year since that very first mission.” – R.H., Teacher
Why Go2Science Works for Afterschool and Out-of-School Time Programs
Using high-quality field videos and standards-aligned hands-on activities, students don’t just study science - they do real science for a real purpose. The Go2Science collection is designed so that adults can be co-learners right alongside their youth. The field research adventures are easy to implement and flexible in design, letting you choose the hands-on activities that best fit your situation.
“Go2Science is excited to partner with Mizzen to expand our reach as we bring STEM and global learning into out-of-school time spaces where youth are freed from the timelines and demands of school and have the flexibility to truly dive deep into topics and activities they care about.” - Beth Heidemann, Co-Founder + Teacher
What Students Experience in the Mission: Rainforest! Collection
Inside the Mission: Rainforest! collection, students will:
- Design butterflies with camouflage wings
- Build insect traps using everyday materials
- Engineer solutions to help sloths cross busy roads safely
- Explore biodiversity and habitat change through interactive games
- Analyze evidence and publish their findings like real researchers
These resources aren’t just a curriculum; they are a virtual front-row seat to real field research adventures from around the world.
“Whether or not kids dream of a STEM career, learning to use the scientific method is a critical life skill that will help them no matter what they do or where they go. Go2Science builds curiosity, critical thinking skills, and cultural awareness as kids learn to be compassionate, evidence-based decision makers.” - Beth Heidemann, Co-Founder + Teacher
Win a Live Virtual Science Adventure for Your Program
To celebrate this partnership, Mizzen and Go2Science are offering access to an exclusive online event for 10 classrooms or programs! Groups can choose from Tuesday, June 23 or Wednesday, June 24.
Perfect for summer programs and camps in June, winners will join Beth and Curtis for a 30-minute livestream event, where youth can ask questions about the rainforest mission, see unique specimens, and enjoy special bonus content.
How to Enter
✔ Step 1: Explore the Mission: Rainforest! collection on Mizzen - all you need is your free account!
✔ Step 2: Check the “Click to Join” box on the collection page - you only need to do this once
✔ Step 3: Through your Mizzen account, do one or more of the following actions:
✔ Save the Go2Science collection
✔ Print at least one Go2Science activity
✔ Schedule at least one Go2Science activity on your Mizzen calendar
Once you have completed steps 1-3, you’re officially entered! Winners will be notified by email on June 1 and can choose to join either:
Tuesday, June 23 - 10:00 am PDT/1:00 pm EDT
Wednesday, June 24 - 1:00 pm PDT/4:00 pm EDT
Bring Global Science Learning to Your Program
Global science adventures are now just a click away. With Mizzen Education and Go2Science, you can bring engaging, hands-on STEM learning into your classroom or afterschool program.