Shiloh CUSD #1 in Illinois today announced an expansion of its partnership with Discovery Education, adding a powerful new resource to the district’s middle and high school science curriculum. This next phase brings Discovery Education’s Pivot Interactives into Shiloh’s classrooms, equipping high school Biology and middle school science teachers with interactive, video-based investigations that invite students to explore scientific phenomena and develop core scientific practices. Discovery Education is a leading global edtech provider whose digital platform supports learning in classrooms and beyond.
Located in east-central Illinois, Shiloh CUSD #1 serves approximately 375 K–12 students in a single school building. The district focuses on meeting each student’s individual needs and on building a safe, open learning environment where curiosity and discovery are encouraged. Teachers and administrators collaborate with families and community partners to deliver learning opportunities that prepare students for lifelong growth in a changing world.
To boost engagement in science and to support inquiry-driven instruction, district leaders sought high-quality, standards-aligned digital resources that spark student interest and adapt to diverse learning styles. After reviewing several options, Shiloh CUSD #1 selected Discovery Education’s Pivot Interactives for use across middle and high school science classrooms.
Pivot Interactives, acquired by Discovery Education in 2022, was originally launched in 2012 by educators Peter Bohacek and Matt Vonk. The platform offers more than 10,000 authentic, interactive, video-based science activities developed by Pivot’s curriculum team and teacher community. Each activity is tied to state and national standards and incorporates research-based instructional strategies so teachers can easily integrate active learning into lessons, labs, and assessments.
Designed to let students explore and discover on their own, Pivot Interactives includes built-in tools that simplify experimental measurement and analysis. One notable tool, IRIS TM, is a color and light gauge that supports fast and accurate data collection. The platform’s unique interface allows students to alter video conditions and immediately observe how those changes affect outcomes. Guided instructions walk learners through data collection, measurement, analysis, and interpretation, while a mix of open-ended and auto-graded questions provides timely feedback and reinforces core scientific concepts.
“Our educators work hard to provide learning experiences that both capture students’ imaginations and match their preferred ways of learning,” said Pamela Evans, a district teacher using the new resources. “Pivot Interactives supports both goals by helping students investigate the natural world in meaningful, hands-on ways.”
Shiloh CUSD #1 already uses Discovery Education’s K–12 learning platform to design engaging classroom activities and deliver daily instruction. That platform provides teachers with high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, assessment tools, and professional learning resources. These materials help teachers bring real-world phenomena into instruction and support blended learning—whether in person or remote—so every lesson connects classroom goals to authentic science practice.
In addition to Pivot Interactives and the K–12 platform, the district uses Discovery Education’s Science Techbook series. Science Techbook is a comprehensive, research-backed digital science solution for K–12 classrooms. Delivered through Discovery Education’s platform, the Science Techbook combines virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM activities, and a wide range of instructional supports that enhance blended instruction and help teachers create meaningful science experiences for all students.
Educators using Discovery Education resources are supported by the Discovery Educator Network (DEN), a global professional community that connects teachers, leaders, and instructional coaches. The DEN fosters collaboration through virtual conferences, social channels, and local events, giving educators opportunities to share strategies, gain ideas, and continue professional growth while implementing dynamic digital media in the classroom.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Shiloh CUSD #1,” said Kathryn Vickers, Discovery Education’s Senior Partnership Coordinator. “Bringing Pivot Interactives into the district’s suite of digital resources will increase student engagement in science and better prepare Shiloh students for success beyond graduation.”
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a worldwide edtech leader whose digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators create equitable and engaging learning experiences that support higher academic achievement. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to provide leading edtech solutions that empower teachers and learners. Discovery Education’s resources are used by educators and students across many countries, and the company continues to expand its offerings to support modern teaching and learning.