Dr. Melanie Kinskey

Biography

Melanie Kinskey is an Assistant Professor specializing in science instruction within elementary classrooms, with a particular emphasis on designing lessons that connect science content to real-world problems and contexts. Her scholarship primarily focuses on supporting both pre-service and in-service teachers in making instructional decisions during planning and enactment of lessons, thereby facilitating meaningful science learning for students. Kinskey's research particularly highlights socioscientific issues (SSI), which enhance students' engagement with current events, encourage them to consider multiple perspectives, and foster empathy for affected societal groups. This approach not only deepens students’ understanding of content knowledge but also empowers them to become informed decision-makers in a democratic society. Kinskey employs a refined consensus model of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) to extend her research and strengthen the impact of science education. She advocates for the provision of inquiry-based science lessons for K-12 students that challenge their thinking and equip them to navigate complex global issues. Her scholarship has been published in prominent journals in the field of science education, and she is an active member of the science education research community, having served on committees for organizations such as ASTE and NARST. Kinskey has also held leadership positions including Chair of the NARST Membership Committee and past president of the Southeastern Association of Science Teacher Education (SASTE).

Research Interests