Teachers use Brilliant to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and extend learning beyond traditional textbooks. Our interactive lessons fit seamlessly into classroom routines and support inquiry-based STEM instruction.
Three ways teachers use Brilliant
1. Warm-ups and bell-ringers
Start class with a couple of Brilliant lessons related to your current unit or concept. This helps:
- Activate prior knowledge
- Build critical thinking skills
- Engage students immediately as they enter the classroom
- Set a problem-solving mindset for the day's lesson
Example: Before teaching systems of equations, assign a lesson on balanced scales to help students visualize the concept of maintaining equality.
2. Self-directed learning
Introduce Brilliant to students and invite them to explore topics at their own pace during free time, study hall, or independent learning blocks. This approach:
- Encourages student agency and curiosity
- Lets learners pursue personal interests in STEM
- Provides enrichment for advanced students
- Offers quality learning time without constant teacher supervision
Example: Set up a "STEM exploration hour" where students choose their own Brilliant courses to work through while you provide one-on-one support as needed.
3. Extension and enrichment
Assign specific Brilliant lessons and problem sets to extend classroom learning or challenge students beyond textbook material. This helps you:
- Differentiate instruction for advanced learners
- Provide deeper exploration of challenging topics
- Supplement curriculum with interactive practice
- Assign meaningful homework that reinforces conceptual understanding
Example: After teaching exponential growth, assign Brilliant's compound interest and population growth lessons to show real-world applications.
What teachers get with Brilliant
When you join Brilliant for Educators, you can:
- Create unlimited classrooms and manage student rosters
- Share specific lessons and courses or let students explore freely
- Track student progress and completion
- Integrate with Google Classroom for easy setup
- Access curated courses aligned with K-12 standards
Getting started
Most teachers find success by:
- Exploring Brilliant yourself first to understand how lessons work
- Starting with one of the three approaches above
- Adjusting based on what works for your classroom and students
The most active teachers tend to work at schools with a strong emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning.
Ready to try Brilliant in your classroom? Apply for free educator access at educator.brilliant.org.
Questions? Contact support@brilliant.org.