Educational Service Unit No 5 offers interactive learning opportunities for schools within ESU 5 boundaries and beyond. In these classes, the teachers reside at ESU 5, main location, or ESU 3, satellite location, and provide class via distance learning systems.
Science
Igniting Curiosity: A Distance Learning Science Program for Grades 3–6
In classrooms across our region, science is coming alive in new and exciting ways. Our elementary distance learning (DL) science program, serving students in grades 3–6, was originally designed with a simple but powerful goal: to spark a genuine love for science. Today, it has grown into a comprehensive, standards-aligned model that not only engages students but also strengthens science instruction across entire districts.
From Curiosity to Standards-Aligned Excellence
What began as an effort to inspire curiosity has evolved into a program deeply connected to state science standards. Lessons are thoughtfully designed to build scientific thinking, encourage inquiry, and ensure students are mastering key concepts and practices. Through interactive distance learning sessions, students don’t just learn about science—they experience it.
At the same time, the program serves as a model of high-quality science instruction for teachers. By observing and participating in these lessons, educators gain practical strategies for delivering engaging, standards-based science in their own classrooms.
A Hands-On Approach—Even from a Distance
A defining feature of the program is its commitment to hands-on learning. Each participating classroom receives totes filled with the materials and equipment needed for upcoming lessons. This ensures that students can actively investigate, experiment, and explore alongside the live DL instruction.
Behind the scenes, instructors Patrick Brommer and Matt Dworak play a vital role in making this possible. Each quarter, they travel directly to partner districts to:
- Deliver the next set of materials and equipment
- Facilitate in-person science lessons
- Build relationships with students and teachers
- Provide guidance and support for upcoming units
This blend of virtual instruction and in-person connection creates a unique and highly effective learning experience.
Supporting Teachers Through High-Quality Resources
The program extends beyond student learning—it is also a powerful support system for educators. We actively support the implementation of OpenSciEd, a nationally recognized, highly rated open educational resource (OER) for science instruction.
Through this support, we provide:
- Professional development on OpenSciEd units
- Fully prepared kits with all necessary materials and equipment
- Ongoing coaching and implementation guidance
Importantly, this support is available K–12, ensuring that teachers at all grade levels can access high-quality, research-based science resources.
Building a Culture of Science
By combining engaging distance learning, hands-on materials, in-person support, and teacher training, this program is doing more than teaching science—it is building a culture of scientific curiosity and excellence.
Students develop a lasting interest in science. Teachers gain confidence and tools to elevate their instruction. Districts benefit from a scalable, sustainable model that brings high-quality science education to every classroom.
What started as a spark has become a system—one that continues to grow, adapt, and inspire the next generation of scientists, thinkers, and problem-solvers.
Contact Annette Weise, Alternative Program Director, for additional information.
Email: aweise@esu5.org
World Language
The ESU 5 Distance Learning World Language Program is rooted in NDE’s World Language Standards. We incorporate digital learning best practices into a distance learning context.
At ESU 5’s World Language Program, we share three belief statements:
- We believe All Students can be successful
- We believe in a positive classroom environment
- We believe in World Language best practices
Our curriculum focuses on fostering communicative ability in our students. This means, instead of emphasizing grammar rules, we engage students with activities promoting proficiency. Each unit begins with six days of instruction concentrating on helping students learn new vocabulary: words and phrases specific to the unit’s topic. During this time, it is the students’ responsibility to actively listen and participate in vocabulary memorization games. We then spend three days helping students use those targeted words / phrases in conversations among peers in the class and potentially across school districts. Finally, each unit includes a presentational piece asking students to produce the language in written and/or oral form. We wrap up units with empower learner activities engaging students in reflective practices, helping them to own their own learning.
Program data indicates students enjoy our classes, are motivated to learn Spanish, value learning a second language, and succeed at acquiring the language.
Spanish course offerings include:
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3/4 - Dual Credit 1 offered in collaboration with Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU 1010 and 1020)
- Spanish 5 - Dual Credit 2 offered in collaboration with Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU 2010)
- Exploratory Middle School Spanish
Classes occur daily and meet college requirements for two years of World Language.
Contact Dr. Nick Ziegler, World Language Coordinator, for additional information.
Email: nziegler@esu5.org