From School Grounds to Learning Ecosystems
Kicking Off a Bold New Chapter with LCPS
Last week marked the beginning of something big.
Over two inspiring days, the Thinkering Collective officially kicked off our collaboration with Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), a partnership rooted in a shared mission: embed outdoor, experiential learning directly into the K–5 science curriculum across the district.
We sat down with Clark Seipt (Director of Sustainability), Darielle Timothy (Science Supervisor), and David Hitchcock (Elementary Science Specialist)—three leaders at LCPS who deeply believe that learning doesn’t belong inside four walls. What emerged from our time together was more than alignment; it was momentum.
Together, we mapped out a full year of curriculum integration, co-creating a framework that connects LCPS’s sustainability goals with Thinkering’s human-centered, curiosity-driven approach to science education. From seasonal planting cycles to project-based capstone work rooted in environmental inquiry, every unit we designed is meant to get kids’ hands dirty and minds activated.
But this partnership goes far beyond curriculum.
It’s also about the educators.
A Special Call for LCPS Educators: Join Our Next Fellowship Starting October 20th
As part of this collaboration, LCPS is fully sponsoring a cohort of teachers to join our upcoming Thinkering Fellowship, launching October 20th.
This is a fully funded opportunity for LCPS educators to:
Join a 10 week mentorship-based fellowship designed to reignite purpose and creativity in teaching
Design capstone projects that bring the outdoors into your classroom and your classroom into the world
Join a supportive community of educators, mentors, and thought partners
Get access to Thinkerportal—our AI-powered learning management and resources tool. Work alongside Thinkerbot on your project, connect with fellow Thinkerers, and keep your work organized and intentional.
Co-create learning that matters—to you, your students, and your local community
Whether you’re just beginning your journey with project-based learning or are already leading outdoor education initiatives, this fellowship is designed to meet you where you are and grow with you.
The best part? LCPS is covering the entire cost. All you need is curiosity, commitment, and a desire to rethink how and where learning happens.
Why This Partnership Matters
This work isn’t about checking boxes or adding something “extra” to your plate. It’s about re-centering what education should feel like—alive, relevant, rooted in real questions and local contexts.
Our work with LCPS represents what’s possible when district leaders, classroom educators, and community partners come together to reimagine learning environments. From garden beds to creek beds, from schoolyards to storyboards—science becomes not just a subject, but a lived experience.
If you’re an educator ready to lead that change from the inside out, we want you with us.
Save the Date: October 27th
Apply to the LCPS-sponsored Thinkering Fellowship
Spots are limited. All grade levels K–5 welcome.
Reach out here to learn more and apply
Together, let’s grow something lasting.