Activate Learning Launches Virtual Investigations® Built for OpenSciEd Elementary

High-Fidelity Digital Replications of OpenSciEd K–5 Activities Now Available on the Activate Learning Digital Platform

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Activate Learning, a leading provider of investigation-centered science education resources, announced the launch of new Virtual Investigations® built for the OpenSciEd K–5 curriculum, first unveiled at the 2026 NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Anaheim, California (April 15–18). The first set is now available on the Activate Learning Digital Platform, with additional Virtual Investigations® rolling out over the coming months. The new K–5 offerings expand upon Activate Learning’s acclaimed Virtual Investigations® built for OpenSciEd Middle School, extending the same commitment to curriculum fidelity into the elementary grades.

The Same Investigation — In a Digital Format

Unlike supplemental digital tools that approximate the spirit of a curriculum, Activate Learning's Virtual Investigations® are high-fidelity replications of the actual OpenSciEd K–5 activities — true to the curriculum's storylines, driving questions, and sense-making approach. These are not similar investigations. They are the same investigations, delivered digitally, ensuring every student gets the intended learning experience and eliminating variability in outcomes.

"Our Virtual Investigations® are built for OpenSciEd K–5 — not just inspired by it," said Joy Reynolds, Chief Academic Officer at Activate Learning. "Teachers and students get the exact investigation, delivered digitally, with the same rigor and coherence they expect from OpenSciEd. We're excited to release the first set now and look forward to expanding our library in the months ahead."

Built to Support Teachers — and Every Student

Activate Learning's Virtual Investigations® address the practical realities teachers face every day: time constraints, the need to review or revisit lessons, and keeping absent students from falling behind.

"Elementary educators wear many hats, and time is always in short supply," said David Robertshaw, Chief Product Officer at Activate Learning. "Our Virtual Investigations® give teachers a powerful tool when they need to revisit a lesson without repeating the full physical investigation, or when a student misses class and needs to complete the same activity at home. A student who was absent gets the same investigation their classmates experienced — so no one falls behind. These investigations don't replace the classroom; they make it more resilient."

Real Use Cases, Real Impact

• Supporting absent students: Students who miss class can complete the same investigation at home, arriving ready for subsequent lessons without gaps in understanding.
• Review and revisit: Teachers can use Virtual Investigations® to help students reinforce their thinking after a hands-on lesson, supporting deeper sense-making and retention.
• Consistent outcomes: High-fidelity replications eliminate variability across classrooms, substitute teachers, and schools — every student gets the same investigation.
• Time-pressed teachers: When a full physical investigation isn't feasible, Virtual Investigations® keep learning on track.

Building on a Proven Foundation

The K–5 Virtual Investigations® build on Activate Learning's highly regarded Virtual Investigations® for OpenSciEd Middle School — part of the company's certified version of OpenSciEd 6–8, which has earned an "All-Green" rating from EdReports. Together, they create a coherent digital science experience from kindergarten through middle school.

Unveiled at NSTA Anaheim 2026

Activate Learning first unveiled the development of the new Virtual Investigations® for OpenSciEd K–5 at the 2026 NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Anaheim, California (April 15–18), where the company connected with science educators from across the country and shared curriculum insights, interactive digital product demos, and professional learning sessions spanning elementary through high school. The K–5 Virtual Investigations® were showcased alongside Activate Learning’s full suite of NGSS-aligned programs, including OpenSciEd K–12, EarthComm 4th Edition, Active Integrated Physics and Chemistry™ (Active IPC), IQWST®, Activate Learning Insight™, and the Activate Learning Digital Platform.

Available on the Activate Learning Digital Platform

The Virtual Investigations® are available exclusively through the Activate Learning Digital Platform, which supports student accessibility and inclusion with embedded translation for 140+ languages and text-to-speech with read-along highlighting — seamlessly supporting in-person, hybrid, and at-home learning.

The first set of Virtual Investigations® for OpenSciEd K–5 is available now. Schools and districts interested in learning more or scheduling a demo can visit https://activatelearning.com/elementary-curriculum/openscied-elementary/.

About Activate Learning

Activate Learning is dedicated to transforming science education through investigation-centered, research-driven curriculum and digital tools. As a certified OpenSciEd distributor and professional learning provider, Activate Learning offers educators the digital platform, print materials, science kits, and professional learning to support successful OpenSciEd implementation from elementary through high school. Learn more at www.activatelearning.com.

About OpenSciEd

OpenSciEd was launched in 2018 as a nonprofit to address the need for high-quality, open-source science instructional materials and curriculum-based professional learning aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. The OpenSciEd Elementary materials are made possible by the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Walton Family Foundation, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Learn more at www.openscied.org.