1 min read
Coral Zayas, a K-5 science and inquiry-based learning expert, reveals how building strong foundational skills in elementary school can prevent the cascading gaps that hold students back in later grades. She shares her framework for teaching physical, life, and earth science in ways that spark curiosity and foster real-world problem solving—including three types of project-based learning and how to integrate literacy, math, and social studies into science for deeper understanding.
From practical strategies for multilingual and neurodiverse learners to leveraging outdoor and community-based learning, Coral shows how modest investments and creative thinking can unlock powerful experiences. She also tackles how schools can simplify assessments, reduce testing overload, and build a culture of curiosity through professional learning networks and intentional curriculum design.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate for equitable hands-on learning, this episode challenges the status quo and delivers actionable insights to revolutionize science teaching from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Coral's podcast https://www.youtube.com/@CoralZayas
ABOUT CORAL
Coral Zayas, M.S., is the author of Teaching K-5 Science with over 15 years of experience spanning K-12 STEM education, bilingual instruction, higher education, and teacher professional development. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer, college lecturer, program manager, and education policy fellow.
Coral specializes in designing cross-disciplinary curricula that integrate science, social studies, problem-based learning, and education technology. She centers global education perspectives and research-based strategies to engage diverse learners, particularly multilingual and neurodivergent students across all classroom settings.
As a recognized voice in education, Coral has presented at local and national conferences including ISTE, the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), and the Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education (AAABE). She has contributed to education policy discussions as a fellow and panelist with Teach Plus Texas, Leadership ISD (Texas), and other organizations.
Coral believes science classrooms serve as bridges to global problem-solving and remains committed to empowering educators with tools that inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. She earned her Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Elon University.
