EdTechLens’ New Online K-5 Life Science Curriculum Features the Beauty and Splendor of the Rainforest

Rainforest Journey uses technology to provide multiple ways for educators to creatively teach Life Science 

 SCHENECTADY, NY – November 19, 2015 – Designed to be delivered as whole group instruction, small group learning, or individual student exploration, the new Rainforest Journey features a customizable, easy-to-use platform that delivers vibrant, multimedia content to students in grades K-5. Developed by online curriculum company EdTechLens, Rainforest Journey provides lessons that can replace or complement life science textbooks. 

 Rainforest Journey is a beautiful, engaging program to teach elementary school students concepts like the water cycle and the parts of an ecosystem.  The company has been pilot testing Rainforest Journey for the past year and received great feedback on ways to improve the program. The improvements are incorporated in the new platform which allows educators to customize the program for their students and helps them get the maximum learning benefits from Rainforest Journey. “In a nutshell, we are all about the potent combination of engaging content and the effective use of technology,” said Ellen Senisi, the lead creator of Rainforest Journey.

Rainforest Journey teaches the life science component of the elementary school science curriculum through the lens of a trip to the rainforest. Educators have access to lessons, lesson reviews, assessments, primary source materials and hands-on activities. Each lesson includes non-fiction reading passages accompanied by video clips and vivid photographs designed to engage students and pique their curiosity about science.

“I have been using Rainforest Journey as a whole class experience thus far,” said third grade teacher Mary Hargrove. “The photographs are amazing. My students felt like they were there!” 

Rainforest Journey works on any computer or handheld device connected to the Internet. The lessons are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and the New York State Science Standards and each section includes a Lexile score and word count. In addition, the program provides activities that can be printed out to extend the program offline.

Rainforest Journey allows educators to track student grades, class grades and view class progress. They select which lessons, activities and assessments their students can access and they can also export students’ grades to a spreadsheet.

The flexible design of the Rainforest Journey interface allows it to be used successfully with students of all skill levels. A flexible interface and 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 of literacy support and students with special needs. 

About EdTechLens

Founded in 2014, EdTechLens (www.edtechlens.com) creates unique online curricula, incorporating theme-based learning and nonfiction into K-5 classrooms. The Rainforest Journey program incorporates the team’s personal experiences, which contributes to the feeling of “being there” and helps students retain the concepts. EdTechLens lessons utilize multimedia components including photographs, video clips, original music and sound effects into its lessons to foster true student engagement. For more information, visit edtechlens.com.