GREENWICH, Conn., April 24, 2025 –Activate Learning, a leading provider of K-12 research-based, phenomena-driven science curricula, proudly announced the launch of its new Activate Learning Virtual Investigations™ for middle school students at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference in Philadelphia.
This cutting-edge digital tool is designed to bring science to life through immersive, standards-aligned virtual lab experiences. The Activate Learning Virtual Investigations™ are designed to complement hands-on learning by providing a seamless, curriculum-aligned alternative that enhances student engagement and access to phenomena.
Developed to support Activate Learning’s middle school science curriculum, the Activate Learning Virtual Investigations™ directly align with OpenSciEd Middle School content and are fully integrated with the Activate Learning Digital Platform, making it easy for educators to deliver engaging, interactive learning experiences with minimal prep.
“Virtual Investigations provide students with an authentic scientific inquiry experience that’s both engaging and accessible,” said Activate Learning CEO Eric Johnson. “By integrating interactive digital tools directly into our curriculum, we’re helping educators bridge the gap between hands-on learning and the digital world their students already inhabit.”
Educators and attendees at the recent NSTA Conference in Philadelphia were among the first to experience the new virtual investigations firsthand during live demonstrations at the Activate Learning booth.
Educator feedback at the NSTA Conference was overwhelmingly positive, with teachers praising the Activate Learning Virtual Investigations™ as a practical and effective tool for supporting absent students and reviewing lab activities without needing to reset equipment or materials. Many educators noted how these virtual labs can save time while still reinforcing essential scientific practices and concepts.
“Teachers are always looking for flexible, high-quality solutions that meet the needs of real classrooms,” said David Robertshaw, Chief Product Officer at Activate Learning. “Virtual Investigations deliver just that—engaging, standards-aligned experiences that work whether students are present, reviewing, or catching up. The enthusiasm we saw at NSTA confirmed we’re meeting a real need.”
Activate Learning is hosting a free informational webinar session on Wednesday, April 30th at 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern Time for educators to experience the new Virtual Investigations. As a bonus, all webinar attendees will receive exclusive demo access to sample Virtual Investigations!