Empowering the Next Generation of Thinkers and Problem Solvers

On June 24th, 2025, PocketLab and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hosted a groundbreaking “train-the-trainer” professional development program on Crash Science in the Classroom. By supporting the use of phenomena-based inquiry to teach and reinforce science concepts, these educators are reimagining how science is taught.

Real Data Transforming Science Education 

This initiative isn’t just about cars – it’s about giving students the tools to explore science that inspires and saves lives by influencing student auto safety practices. By combining crash-test data, high-impact video, and inquiry-based science, PocketLab and the IIHS are equipping districts with powerful ways to teach that is engaging, effective, and meaningful.

These ambitious educators were trained on the Crash Science in the Classroom curriculum and PocketLab sensors to better bring physics and safety concepts to life.  The event also included an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the crash test facility lead by an IIHS Engineer, and witnessed a LIVE crash test of a 2025 Telsa Cybertruck! Later, the group met with members of the IIHS Crash-Avoidance team and were able to put the sensors and other technology empowering these features to the test by stepping behind the wheel.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. The educators will continue to collaborate, innovate, and share best practices with peers, training their colleagues on how to implement Crash Science and hands on data collection in the classroom.

Interested educators are invited to use this free and impactful lesson content within PocketLab Notebook. They are encouraged to join us in December for a virtual field-trip where they and their students will witness a live-streamed crash test and be able to speak with IIHS engineers.

Together, we are building a future where science education is hands-on, student-centered, and deeply connected to the world around us and future careers.

“Your help in building up my pedagogy and content knowledge are priceless to me. I loved the real-world applications and the physics applications.  I feel energized, motivated, and supported to bring driving safety to my middle school curriculum to elicit student thoughts and ideas of change.”
-Felicia Martin Latief, Prince George’s County Public Schools, MD

“I had a wonderful time and am grateful to have been a part of the event. Already talking to our team and science teachers in our summer STEM camp about being a part of our district training. I am looking forward to collaborating!”   -Janet Schnauss, Duval County Public Schools, FL

Recognizing Our Education Leaders

We’re grateful to IIHS for their partnership and for hosting us. We are proud to support this group of trailblazing teachers.

Representing over 1.6 million students nationwide, these educators and their teams will amplify the reach of this program far beyond a single training day. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make!

Andrea Anders, Chicago Public Schools  
Ashtin Barnes, Katy ISD Texas  
Trey Barlow, Albemarle County Public Schools Virginia  
Cat Buchanan, Charlottesville City Schools Virginia  
Alyx Casillas, Madera Unified School District California  
Lourdes Carrasco, Miami-Dade County Public Schools- Florida  
Keith Congdon, Greene County Public Schools Virginia  
Kenya Cooper, Cobb County Schools- Georgia  
Chidi Duru, Prince George’s County Public Schools Maryland  
Dane Jaber, Miami Dade Public Schools
Diane Engelman, Harford County Public Schools Maryland   
Janice Gatewood, Cobb County Schools- Georgia  
JP Keener, Broward County Schools- Florida  
Felicia Martin Latief, Prince George’s County Public Schools- Maryland
Lisa Milan, Pittsburgh Public Schools Pennsylvania  
Niemi Melissa, Muscogee County School District Georgia  
Steven Moody, Fulton County Schools- Georgia  
Jennifer Orodeckis, Montgomery County Public Schools- Maryland  
Catherine Phillips, Lynchburg City Schools Virginia  
Fikisha Puentes, Chesterfield County Public Schools Virginia  
Janet Schnauss, Duval County Public Schools- Florida  
Jennifer Slater, Katy ISD Texas  
Stacie Woodruff, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD- Texas  
Tyler Watts, USD 232 De Soto – Kansas

If you’re a school or science administrator interested in future training such as this, please email us at contact@thepocketlab.com