CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES ADAPTED FROM REAL RESEARCH
IRISTEM | CREEC Central Fall Conference 2026
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TODAY’S WORKSHOP
IRISTEM
PAPER
What research translation looks like
Examine the biochar review
See an IRISTEM resource
Work in groups or solo
EXAMPLE
YOUR TURN
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TODAY’S WORKSHOP
IRISTEM
PAPER
What research translation looks like
Examine the biochar review
See an IRISTEM resource
Implementing in your classrooms
EXAMPLE
DISCUSSION
ABOUT IRISTEM
IRISTEM adapts research and makes it usable for younger learners through clear explanations, visuals, games, and classroom activities. Today you will try that process yourself with a published review!
A practical translation process
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RESEARCH TO CLASSROOM
OUR TRANSLATION PROCESS
Choose the student audience
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Rewrite the article in simpler terms
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Choose a visual or activity
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Identify a recent and relevant article
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Check the science again
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BIOCHAR AND SOIL
Fakhar et al. (2025), Fuel
This review compares ways to modify biochar for use in soil. The authors explain that starting materials and treatments change biochar properties, which affects its possible uses.
doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2025.135745
PRACTICE PAPER
AN IRISTEM RESOURCE EXAMPLE
This flood research page shows our approach: keep the scientific question, explain key terms, and use an annotated visual to help students examine the evidence. This is an example of format, separate from today’s biochar paper.
DISCUSSION PROMPT
“What should a student understand, and what could they investigate?”
DISCUSSION
“What should a student understand, and what could they investigate?”
YOUR TURN TO TRANSLATE!
TRANSLATION DISCUSSION
IMPLEMENTATION IN CLASSROOMS
One question students can answer
FORMAT
What evidence would they use?
GRADE
Choose grades 3–5 or 6–8
Model, visual, game, or discussion
QUESTION
EVIDENCE
20 MINUTES
Work in a small group or independently. Pick one biochar finding, rewrite it for your grade span, and draft an activity prompt.
20 MINUTES
Pick one biochar finding, rewrite it for your grade span, and draft an activity prompt. Then, discuss these prompts to foster various forms of implementation in classroom