“Turning Up the Volume on Learning with GLC”

In Katelyn Hansen’s 1st-grade classroom, science isn’t just a subject—it’s a buzzing, hands-on, heart-first adventure. Using GLC’s Sound & Light unit, Katelyn masterfully blends core science concepts with thoughtful accommodations, creating an inclusive, high-energy space where every student feels supported, seen, and excited to learnOne standout moment? The unforgettable Rubber Band Guitar lab—a perfect showcase of how GLC’s inquiry-based, student-centered design empowers teachers to spark curiosity and bring big ideas to life. The lesson launched with one of GLC’s foundational strategies: tapping into what students already know and want to know. Katelyn kicked off a vibrant discussion with questions like “What do you already know about sound?” and “What do you wonder?” When one student asked, “Do all things make vibrations?”—the class lit up. Just like that, they were hooked.Katelyn infused movement and play into every step of the lesson. While watching resource videos, students were on the lookout, giving a peace sign every time they observed a vibration—a brilliant, low-lift strategy to keep them focused, involved, and moving. Then they got to be vibrations, shaking and wiggling to reinforce their understanding in a fun, kinetic way.

Then came the real fun: Explore mode. Students experimented with a single rubber band, then stretched more over a plastic cup, testing sound and vibration with wide-eyed excitement. Thanks to GLC’s hands-on approach, the room was alive with chatter and discovery. Students pulled, strummed, listened, and shared observations—building confidence, science skills, and collaboration all at once.

Using the Career Connections resource, Katelyn connected science to real-life careers—seismologists, audiologists, and musicians—highlighting GLC’s commitment to career awareness, even in early grades. And then came the big finish: a student-led concert! Using their handmade instruments...and a few surprises from Mrs. Hansen...the class celebrated their learning with music, laughter, and joy that echoed down the hallway.What truly set this lesson apart was how seamlessly Katelyn wove in meaningful accommodations. Flexible seating, fidgets, and movement breaks weren’t add-ons—they were built into the rhythm of the day. GLC’s flexible, student-centered design made it easy for Katelyn to adapt the lesson in real time, allowing her to meet her students’ needs without missing a beat. More importantly, she read her students moment by moment, adjusting pace, energy, and instruction with precision and care. Her deep understanding of her learners—paired with a curriculum that supports responsiveness—made the lesson not only successful, but unforgettable.