(11/17/2025) Science instruction at the elementary level in Anoka-Hennepin moved to a “hands on” approach and now that effort was showcased at the National Science Teaching Association Convention, an event held Nov. 12 -15 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

Twig branching out: Anne Norsted, learning and achievement coordinator, presented highlights from Anoka-Hennepin’s successful rollout of Twig Science to conference attendees from across the nation. The School Board approved the new curriculum following a successful pilot program in 2023 with a $2.6 million investment, and the program is now in its second year of implementation district-wide. 

Why it matters: Twig science courses help build a strong foundation in science and foster an interest for in STEM careers. Hands-on activities begin at Kindergarten with a study of plant growth and development and continue by grade level to include science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts in a wide range of areas. 

Go deeper: View a video overview of Twig Science or read an overview of the impact Twig Science has made in Anoka-Hennepin Schools to date. Twig Science was pursued following an update in state education standards and a realization that the former curriculum was no longer aligned with the standards.