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ABOUT
More about the Science
Materials Center
Mission: The
right materials, at the right place, at the right time.
Order, upgrade,
refurbish, and deliver “ready to teach” kits or modules
to support inquiry-based science and ensure teachers receive the
right materials at the right place at the right time.
Rationale
- Inquiry-based science
requires hands-on materials. The availability of
materials is often cited as a reason science is not taught in the
classroom. Quality materials that
support engaging curricula are difficult to find and
maintain.
- Overall costs are
reduced through sharing materials among schools on a rotating
basis.
Staff
We
have four permanent staff (contact), two long-term volunteers
(more) and volunteers from
organizations such as Seattle Works and United Way's Day of
Caring.
Space
We
occupy an approximately 14,500 square foot warehouse, which
contains over 2,500 elementary school kits and over 120 middle
school modules. All refurbishment occurs at the
warehouse.
Services
We
primarily provide material support for Seattle public elementary
and middle schools, with limited support for high schools. We also
contract with private and public schools to provide kits,
refurbishment materials, and professional development. Please contact us if you'd like to explore
what we can offer you.
History
The SMC is a component
of the PreK-12 Inquiry-Based Science Program, which was founded by
a collaboration between Seattle Public Schools and the University
of Washington's Molecular Biotechnology department and the
Institute of Systems Biology. Initial funding was provided by a
Local Systemic Change initiative grant from the National Science Foundation and continues with major support from the district
and local and regional partners.
Partners
We support the Seattle
Aquarium's
outdoor education program with material
kits.
last updated:
February 23, 2009
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