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ABOUT
More about the Science
Materials Center
Mission
Order, upgrade, refurbish, and deliver
“ready to teach” curriculum units to support hands-on
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 a variable number
of light-duty workers assigned to us by the District.
Space
We occupy an approximately 20,000 square foot
warehouse, which contains over 3,000 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 (e.g., Stanwood-Camano School
District) 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.
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 partners.
Partners
We support the
Seattle Aquarium's
outdoor education program with material
kits.
We support the
District's elementary math program with a pilot program of
Investigations
materials purchased with Federal Title I
funds. Contact us for information on borrowing
these.
last updated:
May 21, 2007
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