EdTechLens Launches IndieGoGo Campaign to Further Fund the Development of Online K-5 Science Curriculum

Rainforest Journey is a subscription-based and standards-aligned online curriculum that uses the rainforest as a springboard for a comprehensive learning experience

SCHENECTADY, NY February 24, 2015 – EdTechLens is launching an IndieGoGo campaign to help fund the final development of its Rainforest Journey online curriculum. Rainforest Journey gives educators media-rich tools and content to teach science concepts to students in grades K-5. Compelling high-resolution photographs and video along with accompanying reading passages make complex scientific concepts like adaption, predators and prey and the water cycle come to life to encourage young learners’ curiosity about science. 

The IndieGoGo campaign will help the company implement additional features and changes based on an extensive pilot they are conducting of the program. The pilot, which is ongoing and accepting participants until May 2015, includes 10,000 classroom and home users. EdTechLens will use the IndieGoGo funds to add the following features:

  • End of lesson activities 
  • Hands-on activities 
  • A “Trip Journal” 
  • Concept Linking between different sections of the curriculum
  • English Language Arts standards to lessons

“Our pilot testers gave us a thoughtful list of additional features that would enhance the Rainforest Journey user experience,” said Ellen Senisi, the lead creator at EdTechLens. “A successful IndieGoGo campaign will ensure that we can give our users everything they need to reap the maximum learning benefits from our program.”

Rainforest Journey can be used with K-5 students of all skill levels. Features such as dictated text, a vocabulary glossary and leveled reading sections make Rainforest Journey a valuable supplemental resource to gifted and talented students, homeschooled students, students in need to literacy support and students with special needs. 

Rainforest Journey includes three types of assessments and details the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and New York State Learning Standards each lesson addresses. Each lesson also includes the LexileTM and word counts for each of the reading passages to ensure that students are reading on skill level. 

To learn more about the Rainforest Journey IndieGoGo campaign, visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/edtechlens.

About EdTechLens
Founded in 2012, EdTechLens (www.edtechlens.com) uses its team’s personal experiences exploring the rainforest to create unique online curricula, incorporating theme-based learning and nonfiction into K-5 classrooms. EdTechLens lessons utilize multimedia components including photographs, video clips, original music and sound effects into its lessons to foster true student engagement. 

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