Karissa Smith

Elementary science educator, curriculum writer, and children’s book author passionate about NGSS and protecting curiosity. 2025 Butler Science Award Grand Prize winner. Sharing books, blogs, and activities that spark wonder in young learners.

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Walking Water

By Karissa Smith October 26, 2025

Turning “Wow” Moments Into Real Scientific Thinking The first few weeks of school are when I lay the foundation for...

Don't Kill the Ants!

By Karissa Smith September 07, 2025

My students’ first instinct when they saw ants swarming a dead insect? Scream and stomp them all 🐜🤪...

"Don't Steal the Wonder"

By Karissa Smith August 30, 2025

I was participating in a science professional development session when I first heard those words: Don’t steal the wonder....

Hi! I’m Karissa, founder of Fascination Science, an award-winning K–2 educator and curriculum designer. After 18 years in Texas classrooms, K–2 is still my happy place. I’m passionate about helping little learners fall in love with science: teaching them to read, write, and think like scientists. When I’m not shuttling my personal kids to extracurriculars, chasing our two dogs, or sneaking in another cup of coffee, I’m building low-prep, phenomena-based lessons for teachers and homeschool families.

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