For a young learner, a question can be the beginning of a discovery. What do you notice? How does it work? What might happen next?
At Tiger Trail School, Lauren Lanclos, with Rachel Skillman, is putting that curiosity in the spotlight through Little Scientists, Big Discoveries, a project receiving a 2026 J. Landon Short Mini Grant for Educators.
Congratulations to Lanclos and Skillman for this recognition and their commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities for SBISD’s youngest students.
Little Scientists, Big Discoveries emphasizes the connection between children’s natural curiosity and early science learning. Observing closely, asking questions and exploring possibilities help young learners begin to make sense of the world around them.
Those experiences also create opportunities for language development. Describing what they notice, sharing a prediction and discussing an idea with classmates help children develop vocabulary and practice explaining their thinking.
Early science learning encourages children to stay curious when an answer is not immediately clear. Exploring a question can help students discover that their ideas matter and that learning often begins with a willingness to investigate.
Lanclos and Skillman’s project reflects how investing in educators’ ideas can nurture curiosity, confidence and a foundation for future learning.
Made possible through generous community support, the J. Landon Short Mini Grants for Educators help turn creative ideas into meaningful classroom experiences. It’s #CollectiveGreatness in action.
You can help make great things happen for kids, too. Visit SBISD’s Engage page to learn how to support students, classrooms and schools.