Science Kit Cooperative Updates
2020-2021 School Year (July 13, 2020)
We understand that this fall is going to bring a plethora of challenges that schools (and kit centers!) have never had to deal with before. Our goal is to help make the idea of science curriculum a little easier and less daunting for everyone.
What we have heard from the state in the previous round of meetings in the spring suggest that the options on the table currently are: traditional in-person learning model, a hybrid model (combination of in-person and at-home learning) and a 100% remote model. Many districts may be offering a range of these options for families.
Whichever way your school goes, we will be here to help. As such, we have been busy with developing a distance-learning curriculum, with consumable materials, that come specifically from the BBS and STC-MS curriculums as well as modifying the standard kits as much as possible to assist with social distancing.
This plan is our current thinking and is a work in progress. This may change based on what comes out from the state and/or what our schools say they need. We welcome your feedback and questions.
For those choosing our traditional in-person model or our in-person/hybrid model:
- These will primarily be our current kits, intended to be taught face-to-face, but with modifications where possible.
- Some of the lessons in the units are designed for pairs or small groups of students. We went through each lesson in depth and when it was possible to do so, we have made adjustments to materials and/or packaging to minimize the amount of sharing.
- The 2nd grade kits will be converted from BBS 2nd edition to the BBS 3D version. This will give teachers more digital resources, assignment planning, virtual learning resources, teacher’s guides, student readers, etc. Grades 3-5 already receive the BBS 3D version.
- If you choose this option, you will receive kits enhanced for distancing, but will not receive the canvas course/home materials packs as described below.
For those choosing our 100% remote learning model:
- This option is designed for a 100% remote option that will not utilize in-person/at-home learning model.
- A Canvas course was developed in collaboration with NEWESD 101 and ESD 113 using the lessons taught in each unit. In some cases, the existing lessons were adapted for distance learning, in others they were derived from the extensions of each lessons mixed with some of the OER’s from Washington State OSPI.
- Teachers will still have access to the online teacher guides, student readers and digital resources to use with their students.
- Material packs intended for at-home use will also be provided for each of the students, including copies of worksheets and consumable materials. Everything provided for the students will be consumable so teachers won’t have to worry about materials being returned.
- If you choose this option, you will not be receiving the traditional kit (or physical manual), but will receive the home materials packs and access to the Canvas support courses for your grade level.
It is understood that there will likely be changes throughout the year and we are able to make adjustments to make sure your students are being served.
We will be offering the following support for teachers:
- Elementary unit training for the using the kits in hybrid model learning settings.
- Middle School unit training (kit specific) for using the kits in both traditional and blended learning settings.
- Digital Resources training to make sure the teachers are able to access and use the digital tools provided with their curriculum.
- Introduction to the Canvas course for those teaching 100% remotely to make sure the teachers are able to access and use the tools provided (these would be in addition to the Digital Resources they have access to through Carolina Science Online).
If your district is planning a model that is different than anything listed above, please contact us. We will work with you to ensure that your students get the correct materials for their science needs.
We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to provide quality instruction and materials for science education in your districts.
If you know already what your district will be doing, we would love to know the version of kit you would like to receive (this can be different per grade level). For those of you who do not know yet, we ask that you let us know as soon as you do know for sure. If we don’t hear from you, the default would be to send the physical kits to your locations the end of August.
Thank you,
Beth Worthy
Science Kit Program Manager