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General
questions
Who developed the STC curriculum?
STC is the result of a joint effort by some of the leaders in the fields of education and science—the Smithsonian Institution and the National Academy of
Sciences (NAS). The National Science Resources Center, which is
cosponsored by the Smithsonian and the NAS, began developing STC in 1988; the curriculum was completed in 1997.
What is the National Science Resources Center (NSRC)?
The NSRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the teaching of science in the nation's schools. It is jointly operated by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine.
The NSRC achieves its goals through a variety of programs. The NSRC collects and disseminates information about exemplary teaching resources, develops and disseminates curriculum materials, and sponsors outreach activities, specifically in the areas of leadership development and technical assistance, to help school districts develop and sustain inquiry-based, hands-on science programs.
What is the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)?
The NAS is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society that was created in 1863 by a congressional charter. The academy's purpose is to advise the federal government, upon request and without fee, on questions of science and technology.
The organization provides a public service by working outside the framework of government to ensure independent advice on matters of science and technology. The academy enlists committees of the nation's top scientists, engineers, and other experts—all of whom volunteer their time to study specific concerns. The results of their deliberations have inspired some of America's most significant and lasting efforts to improve the health, education, and welfare of the population.
What information is available about the STC program?
A variety of information is available, both online and in printed form.
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Online information: |
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STC home page |
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STC informative newsletter,
STC® Update |
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STC® Meets the Standards |
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Printed information: |
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STC offers an information packet containing the latest
catalog, price list, and other helpful information. To request an STC information packet, call 800-227-1150, or email your request to
stc@carolina.com. |
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Who publishes and sells STC materials?
STC is published exclusively by Carolina Biological Supply Company, Burlington,
NC. Carolina, the nation's largest distributor of classroom science materials,
is the only company that distributes STC kit materials that have been reviewed and approved by the developer of the STC program, the National Science Resources
Center.
How does STC align with the National Science Education
Standards (NSES)?
The STC program meshes well with the NSES. For an overview of the science content standards met by the various units in the
STC program, visit:
www.carolina.com/stc/correlations.asp.
For a full correlation that details specific links between the individual units and the components of each content standard, download the text of our book,
STC® Meets the
Standards. To request a printed copy, call 800-227-1150, or email your request to
stc@carolina.com.
How do I get a copy of STC correlations to the national standards?
Download a brief overview of STC correlations to the National Science Education
Standards by visiting
www.carolina.com/stc/correlations.asp.
How do I obtain a copy of my state's standards or learning framework?
Contact Carolina's Curriculum Marketing Department at 800-227-1150, ext. 5984.
How do I get a copy of STC correlations to my state's standards or learning framework?
STC has been correlated to many state standards or learning frameworks. To see if a correlation of STC to your state's standards is available,
click
here or call Carolina's Curriculum Marketing Department at 800-227-1150, ext. 5984.
What evaluation options are offered to sites and districts reviewing curriculum?
Can I try out some STC materials in my classroom before purchasing them?
Carolina offers several options for schools or districts seeking to evaluate the STC program. To inquire about these offers or to request the STC information packet, call 800-227-1150
or email stc@carolina.com. |
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Materials to preview—We
offer several preview options and will help you
determine which option is appropriate for you.
You may receive some sample Teacher's Guides and
Student Activity Books or unit kits for 30-day
preview. Direct your inquiries about preview
material to our Curriculum Marketing Department at 800-227-1150,
ext. 5265, or email
stcpreview@carolina.com. |
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Pilot programs—To
help you become familiar with the STC program,
we may place unit kits with selected teachers in
your school or district to try out in their
classrooms. Typically, these teachers then
become the STC trainers for the school or
district. A district pilot needs to be set up by
the superintendent or by the science or
curriculum coordinator. For a school with
site-based management, the contact person needs
to be the principal or someone identified by the
principal. To discuss piloting, call
800-227-1150, ext. 5265, or email
stcpreview@carolina.com. |
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Presentations—We may provide an overview of the STC program's goals, development, and philosophy, along with a description of typical unit components and of the logistics of implementation. A presentation may take a
"jigsaw" approach, in which groups of participants work through specific activities from a unit and then report on their activities and findings. Since the reports follow the sequence in which the activities occur in the unit, participants get a feel for the way STC
approaches concept development. A presentation
lasts 1–2 hours and there is no charge. To
arrange for a presentation in your district,
call 800-227-1150, ext. 5265. |
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Correlations to science standards—STC is standards based, aligned with the National Science Education Standards of the National Research Council. The STC program has also been correlated with many state and local learning frameworks. You may download a brief overview of
STC correlations to the NSES by visiting
www.carolina.com/stc/correlations.asp.
Download the text of our book,
STC® Meets the
Standards, which details specific links between the individual units and the components of each content standard.
STC has been correlated to many state standards or learning frameworks. To see if a correlation of STC to your state's standards is available,
click
here or call Carolina's Curriculum Marketing Department at 800-227-1150, ext. 5984.
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What
has been developed for middle school science?
The National Science Resources Center has
developed
Science and Technology Concepts for Middle
Schools™ (STC/MS™) to complement STC. STC/MS
offers 8 modules for grades 6 through 8 (which
can also be used at grade 9) that focus on
topics related to life science, earth science,
physical science, and technological design. The
modules are:
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