2023-24 Xplorlabs Educator Fellow Jon Gustin shares his experience implementing Xplorlabs in the classroom.
March 12, 2025
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Through my lens as a digital learning curriculum designer with 17 years of hands-on experience in the science classroom, I’m deeply committed to transforming education. My journey, rooted in student-centered and inquiry-based learning, has taught me the power of blending traditional teaching with digital innovation to make learning more engaging and relevant.
Collaborating with Xplorlabs, created by UL Research Institutes’ Office of Research Experiences & Education, has enabled me to extend this approach, integrating amazing digital resources to deepen and diversify the learning experience for students and educators alike.
This collaboration has been pivotal in refining the pathways I design for educators, enabling them to explore these topics at their own pace while staying grounded in rigorous inquiry and practical application. My goal is to inspire educators and students alike to embrace inquiry, critical thinking, and collaboration, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow’s world.
As I navigate the rewarding role of coaching educators through the exploration of sustainability and safety science, particularly through the lens of lithium-ion batteries with Xplorlabs, I’m constantly reminded of the transformative journey we’re on together. This process isn’t just about expanding our students’ horizons; it’s about fostering growth and confidence in educators, encouraging them to step into more student-centered and inquiry-based teaching models at their own pace.
For my teachers and students, diving into the world of lithium-ion batteries using Xplorlabs’ Science of Thermal Runaway has been a gateway to critical thinking and active engagement with global sustainability issues. This exploration goes beyond traditional learning, empowering teachers and students to connect the dots between technological advancements and environmental stewardship. It’s thrilling to see students question, explore, and contribute to complex discussions, preparing them to be the problem solvers of tomorrow.
Every activity serves as a stride toward grasping the significance of Earth’s resources and our crucial shared responsibility in managing them with care. Each of the Xplorlabs pathways caters to educators at various stages of their professional journey, recognizing that some may be more accustomed to inquiry-based methods than others. However, as the activities advance, the emphasis shifts toward enhancing the educational journey for both teachers and students alike.
For me, the true joy comes from supporting fellow educators as they navigate this transition. Whether it’s integrating real-world issues into their curriculum or adopting new teaching strategies, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this journey can be. Educators can find a comfortable pace for incorporating student-centered learning into their classrooms by starting with structured activities and gradually introducing more open-ended inquiries.
Understanding that not all teachers are ready to dive headfirst into student-centered and inquiry-based models, I’ve embraced the challenge of developing diverse pathways to support teachers who are at different levels of experience and comfort. These options allow educators to gradually expand their teaching practices, incorporating more student led investigations and discussions as they grow more comfortable. Each pathway is thoughtfully designed to meet teachers and students where they are, providing avenues for growth, exploration, and deepened understanding. By offering varied levels of inquiry and engagement, these pathways ensure that learning becomes a shared journey of discovery, sparking lasting interest and motivation across the educational spectrum.
Educators have found Xplorlabs to be a valuable resource for professional development. One teacher said that this was the best professional development they had all year. Through Xplorlabs’ rich content and interactive nature, we’ve been able to refine our teaching methods, share insights with peers, and collectively push toward a more inquiry-driven approach to education. The dual benefits of Xplorlabs — enriching student learning while advancing teacher expertise — highlight the platform’s role as a catalyst for educational innovation and collaborative growth. Together, we’re not just navigating new educational territories; we’re reshaping the future of teaching and learning.
