Smithsonian Science for the Classroom Curriculum Earns an All-Green Evaluation From EdReports

WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / April 25, 2024 / The Smithsonian Science Education Center's elementary curriculum, Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, received an "all-green" rating for its K-2 instructional materials in a new report published by EdReports.org. Green ratings are highly coveted and demonstrate that a curriculum meets the expectations of High-Quality Instructional Materials set by EdReports. Smithsonian Science for the Classroom is designed from the ground up to meet the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and engages students in phenomenon- and problem-driven learning through hands-on investigations, collaborative discussions and digital interactives.

EdReports is an independent nonprofit that brings together expert educators to produce evidence-rich reviews of instructional materials. The rigorous evaluation sets a standard for identifying high-quality instructional materials, and the decisions made by EdReports are driven by what best informs the education field. EdReports found that the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom K-2 instructional materials earned a green rating in the three categories that they use to determine the quality and alignment of the curriculum with educational standards: Designed for NGSS, Coherence and Scope, and Usability.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center developed the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum in consultation with teachers and experts, and field tested the content in a range of schools with diverse populations. The curriculum draws on the latest findings and best practices from educational research with proven results.

"The outstanding evaluation we've received from EdReports not only emphasizes the quality of our curriculum but also underlines our commitment to creating authentic, integrated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experiences for all students-and we know that districts and educators can feel confident about using our high-quality instructional materials," said Carol O'Donnell, director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center.

"The Smithsonian is committed to creating the highest quality education experience for students and teachers, and upholding our belief that access to exceptional STEM education resources can change lives," said Monique Chism, the Smithsonian's Under Secretary for Education.

About the Smithsonian Science Education Center

The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is transforming K-12 Education Through Science in collaboration with communities across the globe. The SSEC is nationally and internationally recognized for the quality of its programs and its impact on K-12 science education. Visit the SSEC website to learn more about Smithsonian Science for the Classroom and follow SSEC on X, LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Contact Information

Logan Werlinger
Marketing and Communications Manager
werlingerlr@si.edu

SOURCE: Smithsonian Science Education Center

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