Science Educator & Instructional Designer Bridging Gaps with Meaningful Learning


I’m Adrianne Penullar, an AP Chemistry and Physics teacher, dual enrollment instructor, and curriculum designer. I create high-impact learning experiences using flipped instruction, gamification, and real-world application.

Hi, I’m Adrianne Penullar—an educator, instructional designer, and advocate for meaningful science education.

With over a decade of experience teaching AP Chemistry, Physics First, and dual enrollment courses, I specialize in designing engaging learning experiences that prepare students for rigorous academic pathways.

My instructional approach is grounded in flipped learning, inquiry-based strategies, and gamification to support diverse learners. I currently teach at both the high school and community college level and am pursuing my EdD in Curriculum and Instruction. This ePortfolio showcases my design philosophy, project work, and curriculum samples.

Adrianne Penullar

Email

hello@adriannepenullar.com

Location

Avondale, AZ

Currently Studying

EdD Candidate – Curriculum & Instruction

Education

Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum & Instruction (In Progress)

2025 – In Progress

Trident University International – Chandler AZ
Expected Completion: Winter 2026

Master of Science in Chemistry

Graduated May 2019 | GPA: 4.0

Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, AZ

Master of Education in Education Research

Graduated November 2017 | GPA: 3.67

Teach-Now Educatore – Washington, DC

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Graduated December 2013

University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ
Minors: Chemistry and Japanese

Experience

Content Creator – Pivot Interactives (Discovery Education)

Remote | July 2023 – Present

I currently serve as a Content Creator for Pivot Interactives (a Discovery Education platform), where I develop engaging chemistry lesson plans and digital resources for educators across the country. My role includes designing interactive modules aligned with national standards, participating in weekly peer-review sessions, and ensuring all materials support diverse student needs and meaningful learning experiences.

Adjunct Faculty – Estrella Mountain Community College

Avondale, AZ | August 2019 – Present

Since 2019, I have also worked as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Estrella Mountain Community College, where I teach CHM130AA using a flipped classroom model. I create succinct video lessons that students complete independently, followed by active, in-class practice sessions that reinforce key concepts through lab and group work. I also maintain regular office hours to support students outside of the lecture environment.

Certified Chemistry Teacher – Westview High School

Avondale, AZ | August 2016 – Present

At the high school level, I have been a Certified Chemistry Teacher at Westview High School since 2016, currently teaching both General and AP Chemistry. I design lessons rooted in Modeling Instruction and performance-based assessments, with a focus on developing students’ problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding. Many of my students come into AP Chemistry without an intro-level background, so I’ve adapted my approach to emphasize inquiry, real-world application, and scaffolded instruction.

Leadership Roles & Projects

Highlights

In addition to my teaching roles, I take on several leadership responsibilities within my school and district. I serve as a PLT Leader and TUHSD Science Curriculum Builder, where I collaborate with colleagues to align instruction with Arizona Science Standards. I am also the NHS Advisor, an ACT Prep Instructor, and a Canvas LMS Support Specialist—helping both students and teachers navigate digital learning more effectively.

Instructional Design Strengths

As an educator and instructional designer, my work centers on four core areas that shape how I support learners and fellow teachers.

01 – 🧪

Flipped Classroom Design


I develop video-first lessons that shift direct instruction outside the classroom, making space for deeper engagement during class through hands-on labs, collaborative practice, and real-time feedback. I’ve used this model in both AP Chemistry and college-level courses to improve retention and student confidence.

02 – 🎮

Gamified Learning Environment


To increase student motivation, I incorporate gamification strategies such as XP systems, progress badges, branching scenarios, and “level-up” mastery tasks. These approaches encourage active participation and build classroom community, especially in rigorous STEM settings.

03 – 🧬

Science Curriculum Development

I design scaffolded learning experiences that prepare students for AP-level science content—even if they have no prior background. My recent work focuses on bridging gaps caused by program shifts, such as helping Physics First students succeed in AP Chemistry without an intro course.

04 – 💻

Instructional Technology Integration

I support both students and educators in using digital tools like Canvas LMS, Pivot Interactives, and video editing platforms. As a PLT leader and tech mentor, I help integrate these tools in a way that enhances—not replaces—effective instruction.

Instructional Design Work

Explore examples of instructional modules, curriculum artifacts, and design solutions developed to support student engagement, equity, and STEM readiness.

A scaffolded bootcamp-style unit designed to prepare Physics First students for AP Chemistry success. This module focuses on foundational concepts like the mole, atomic structure, and balancing equations using flipped instruction and inquiry-based learning.

Need Task Analysis


This project analyzes an instructional gap caused by a curriculum change, and proposes a targeted bridge module based on learner needs, required skills, and instructional alignment. Developed as part of the EDD651 course.

Initial planning outline for an instructional module titled Intro to Chemical Foundations, targeting readiness gaps in AP Chemistry. Includes course goal, module objective, and alignment to student performance needs.

Gamified Lab Safety Module


This interactive module reimagines lab safety training through a branching scenario-based challenge where students must complete tasks safely to “survive” and unlock the next level. Includes formative checkpoints, digital badges, and real-world accident simulations adapted for high school chemistry learners.

Flipped Unit Thermochemistry


Part of a fully flipped unit for AP Chemistry, this video series walks students through enthalpy, heat calculations, and calorimetry. Each video is paired with a retrieval-based practice set and in-class lab extensions. Created using Loom and Edpuzzle with built-in formative feedback loops.

Stoichiometry Mastery Path


A differentiated learning path created in Canvas using Mastery Paths. Students begin with a diagnostic quiz and are routed through tiered learning content based on performance. Paths include video instruction, scaffolded practice, optional challenge problems, and lab applications.

CER Based Lesson Template


A printable and digital writing scaffold to support students with Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER) explanations in science labs and formative assessments. Includes sentence starters, self-check rubrics, and versions aligned to both NGSS and AP Chemistry free-response expectations.

Let’s Connect!

Whether you’re an educator, collaborator, or instructional leader, I’d love to connect and share ideas about curriculum design, flipped instruction, or building learner-centered STEM experiences.

hello@adriannepenullar.com​
Avondale, AZ
You can also reach me through the contact form below. I typically respond within 24–48 hours.
Full Name
Email
Message
The form has been submitted successfully!
There has been some error while submitting the form. Please verify all form fields again.