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Bridging families, science, and technology: The FSLsci approach to family engagement

Finding meaningful and relevant ways to engage families in science learning can be a challenge, particularly for students in middle and high school, when family engagement is perceived to wane. As students navigate increasing independence and educational complexity, families may lack resources to maintain meaningful school partnerships and educators may struggle to engage families in their students’ learning. Though less visible than in earlier grades, families continue supporting students in ways schools often don’t formally recognize (Smith et al., 2019). NCFL is excited to share an innovative solution called Family Service Learning in Science (FSLsci)—an engaging learning approach that brings students, parenting adults, and educators together through immersive, science-based community exploration.

What is FSLsci?
FSLsci is a research-informed, secondary-level family engagement program built on the established principles of Family Service Learning. Developed by NCFL in 2013, Family Service Learning creates pathways for families to develop critical literacy, technology, and communication skills while building valuable social capital. When parenting adults enhance their leadership capabilities and become change agents in their neighborhoods, entire communities benefit from their influence and engagement.

At its core, FSLsci assembles multigenerational teams to investigate local challenges connected to broader scientific themes like health, climate, and environmental sustainability. But what truly distinguishes FSLsci is its integration of virtual reality technology. With guidance from VR specialists, participants develop digital literacy skills that enable them to create immersive experiences showcasing their research and proposed solutions to community issues. This technological component transforms traditional service learning into an engaging, future-focused educational experience.

How FSLsci works
The program follows a structured yet flexible process:

  • Students, parenting adults, and educators team up to identify community issues connected to scientific concepts
  • Participants conduct collaborative research using inquiry-based methods while learning fundamental digital literacy and VR navigation skills
  • Teams co-create virtual reality experiences to demonstrate their findings
  • Projects culminate in community presentations that showcase solutions

Check out this video that highlights the FSLsci program in Louisville, Kentucky:

Not only does FSLsci support STEM learning across secondary education, but it also helps flip the script on traditional power dynamics in education, allowing opportunities for students to lead their parents and teachers.

Implementation resources
NCFL has developed a digital playbook to support schools and districts interested in implementing the FSLsci program, particularly those already using science curricula like OpenSciEd. The toolkit provides:

  • Detailed explanations of the research and design principles underlying FSLsci
  • Step-by-step guidance on essential processes and skills—from co-design to investigation to action
  • Lessons learned, adaptable resources, and effective strategies for educators to launch similar initiatives

Whether your goal is strengthening family–school connections, enhancing digital literacy, or extending science learning beyond classroom walls, FSLsci offers a powerful framework for creating meaningful educational experiences that benefit students, families, and communities alike.

Download the playbook, Leveraging Family Engagement through Immersive Technology for Deeper Learning, and learn how you can bring FSLsci to your school or program.

Smith, T. E., Reinke, W. M., Herman, K. C., & Huang, F. (2019). Understanding family–school engagement across and within elementary- and middle-school contexts. School Psychology, 34(4), 363–375. https://doi.org/10.1037/spq0000290.