The Smithsonian Science Education Center and Carolina announce that the elementary science curriculum for grades K-2 met EdReports’ expectations in all three rigorous review gateways

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) and leading school science supplier Carolina Biological Supply Company announced that their elementary science curriculum received an all-green rating from EdReports. Smithsonian Science for the Classroom,™ Second Edition, for grades K to 2, received all-green ratings from nonprofit EdReports. The print, digital and hands-on elementary STEM curriculum uses a phenomenon- and problem-driven pedagogy and supports students’ science, reading, and math development. With nearly perfect scores, the curriculum met expectations for *Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) design, coherence and scope, and usability from one of the most prestigious reviewers of education materials. Read the full report now posted on EdReports.org.

The SSEC and Carolina are excited to share some highlights and the review. For review gateway 1, “designed for NGSS,” EdReports found that the materials are designed for three-dimensional learning and assessment and phenomena- and problem-driven learning.

Smithsonian Science for the Classroom meets expectations for gateway 2, “coherence and scope.” The materials are coherent, scientifically accurate and support grade-level endpoints of all three dimensions. Students build and connect their knowledge and use of the three dimensions across the series. The curriculum has an intentional sequence of experiences that increase in sophistication, and the materials incorporate NGSS connections to the nature of science and engineering.

The Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum also meets expectations for gateway 3, “usability.” The materials include teacher support, assessment, student support and an intentional design. The visual design is engaging and integrates digital technology with guidance for teachers. Again, educators are invited to read the full report on EdReports.

“The Smithsonian Science Education Center knows that access to exceptional, high-quality instructional materials in STEM education, like Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, can spark students’ engagement in science, technology, engineering and math in the context of real-world problems and real-world phenomena,” said Carol O’Donnell, Executive Director of Smithsonian Science Education Center. “Smithsonian Science for the Classroom improves science achievement and supports math and reading through hands-on science learning.”

During development by the Smithsonian Science Education Center the Second Edition was extensively field tested by educators. Smithsonian Science for the Classroom is a high-quality comprehensive STEM program with life science, earth and space science, physical science and engineering modules developed to meet the NGSS and support math and language arts requirements. While EdReports reviewed grades K to 2 only at this time, the complete elementary curriculum is offered for grades K to 5. The program engages, inspires, and connects students firsthand to the world around them through student-driven learning. The curriculum includes print and digital components, as well as hands-on materials.

“Carolina and the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) have been partners for nearly 40 years,” said Jim Parrish, President and CEO at Carolina Biological. “We are so excited to see them earn this coveted all-green review from EdReports for Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, Second Edition, for grades K-2. We share a common mission of delivering quality science materials that meet the highest standards and make a difference in teachers’ and students’ lives. The rigorous EdReports review assures teachers that this curriculum meets every aspect of NGSS 3D design, coherence and scope, as well as usability for students and teachers.”

For information visit Carolina’s website or, call (800) 334-5551, or e-mail curriculum@carolina.com.

* NGSS is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.

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