Questions about STC units or lessons

Can a lesson or group of lessons from an STC unit be taught effectively if pulled out and used separately, apart from the rest of the unit? Can the lessons in an STC unit be taught in a different sequence from the order published in the book?
STC lessons should not be taught separately and typically should not be taught in a different sequence from the order given in the Teacher's Guide. STC is based on a constructivist model of learning, which means that concepts students learn in early lessons are foundational for concepts developed in later lessons.

Can some lessons in an STC unit be skipped?
Although snow days, holidays, and other events can shorten the amount of time available for science instruction, no lesson in an STC unit should be skipped. STC is based on a constructivist model of learning, which means that concepts students learn in early lessons are foundational for concepts developed in later lessons.

Some of the science trade books listed in my Teacher's Guide bibliography are no longer in print. Can you recommend any trade books currently available that tie in with my STC unit?
Carolina has compiled a list of recently published science trade books and fiction works that provide a reading connection for each STC unit. This document, Literature Links, is updated annually by Carolina staff. If you know of other recently published trade books that provide a good reading connection to an STC unit but are not on the Literature Links list, call 800-227-1150, ext. 5984.

Whom do I contact if I have problems with an activity or material in an STC unit?
Contact Carolina's Product Information Department at 800-227-1150 (8 am-5pm ET, M-F), or email stc@carolina.com.

Are the STC printed materials available in Braille?
To meet state adoption requirements, the Teacher’s Guide and student book for all 24 STC units have been converted into a generic electronic language known as SGML. Most Braille conversion software can use SGML files to create brailled documents. Carolina will provide the SGML files free of charge to any nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to prepare documents for the visually impaired. It is then that organization’s responsibility to create the brailled materials. To request the SGML files, contact Carolina at 800-227-1150, ext. 6266.
For all other organizations (such as schools and school districts), permission to convert the STC materials into Braille, large print, etc., must first be obtained from the STC developer, the National Science Resources Center. To obtain this permission, contact:

Nina Tristani
National Science Resources Center
Smithsonian Institution MRC 952
901 D Street SW, Suite 704B
Washington, D.C. 20560-0952
Phone: 202-287-7242
Fax: 202-287-2070

When permission has been received, Carolina will release a copy of the SGML files to the requesting organization. To request the SGML files, contact Carolina at 800-227-1150, ext. 6266.