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Frequently Asked Questions about the NSRC's curricula How does the NSRC disseminate curriculum? What do you mean by “research-based” when referring to curriculum and professional development? What do you mean by “inquiry-centered” science curriculum? What evidence is there that inquiry-centered science is more effective than traditional approaches to science instruction? Do the STC and STC/MS curricula address the National Science Education Standards? How can I find our more information about your curricula for my district? Does the NSRC offer professional development for its curricula? Are either of the NSRC programs available in other languages? Which school districts are using the NSRC curricula? What do teachers have to say about the NSRC curricula? Who is the publisher of your curriculum materials?
How does the NSRC disseminate curriculum? The NSRC has developed two major curricula—one for elementary schools, entitled Science and Technology Concepts for Children (STC), and one for middle schools, entitled Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools (STC/MS). These curricula comprise the STC Program.
The NSRC also recommends other K-12 research-based science curriculum programs. These curriculum, along with the STC Program materials, are featured in curriculum showcases and Strategic Plannning Events put on by the NSRC's Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) Center.
What do you mean by “research-based” when referring to curriculum and professional development? The curricula and professional development endorsed and used by the NSRC are based on the latest research on how people learn. Scientists and educators, including experienced elementary school teachers, acted as consultants to teacher-developers, who researched, trial taught, and wrote the STC units. The final editions of the units reflect the incorporation of teacher and student field-test feedback and of comments on accuracy and soundness from the leading scientists and science educators who serve on the STC Advisory Panel.
What do you mean by “inquiry-centered” science curriculum? “Inquiry-centered” science allows students to conceptualize a question and then seek a possible explanation that responds to that question. “Inquiry-centered” science is sometimes referred to as “hands-on” science. Research indicates that science knowledge is best acquired by children (and adults) in a hands-on experimental environment where they can make their own discoveries. The steps of this learning cycle are:
What evidence is there that inquiry-centered science is more effective than traditional approaches to science instruction? There is an emerging body of data from the field to provide evidence that the impact of the NSRC science education reform model in K-8 science education is increasing student achievement in science for all students. For more information, please go to Impact of Our Work.
Do the STC and STC/MS curricula address the National Science Education Standards? Yes, both curricula fully address the NSES for their respective grade levels. For more information about the National Science Education Standards go to http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/intronses/.
How can I find our more information about your curricula for my district? Refer to the Curriculum Resources section of this Web site and look at the Curriculum Center overview brochure.
Does the NSRC offer professional development for its curricula? Yes, the NSRC Professional Develpment Center offers courses focused on the STC/MS curriculum for middle schools. Please go to the Professional Development Center's Programs and Services page for more information. If you have further questions, please contact David Marsland at (202) 633-2967, or email nsrcpdcenter@si.edu.
Are either of the NSRC programs available in other languages? Yes. The NSRC works with other countries to adapt its curricula to their school systems. Currently, the NSRC curricula is available in Spanish and Swedish. For more information, go to Curriculum Translations.
Which school districts are using the NSRC curricula? Our curricula are being used in over 33 states, as well as in Chile, Mexico, and Sweden. Contact our publisher, Carolina Biological Supply Company, for futher information.
What do teachers have to say about the NSRC curricula? The feedback has been very positive. Many teachers claim that the programs not only are more effective for teaching science, but also results in increased student achievement in reading and math. Go to the Curriculum Resources page for more information about teachers’ feedback.
Who is the publisher of your curriculum materials? Carolina Biological Supply Company is the exclusive publisher of STC and STC/MS. Visit their website at www.carolinacurriculum.com, or contact them at: Carolina Biological Supply Company |
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