NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--During the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference today, sponsor and leading school science supplier Carolina Biological announced a Certified Version of OpenSciEd science units for grades K to 5. The new science units for elementary classrooms will help teachers spark creativity in science and STEM education through four easy-to-use units per grade level, complete with lab kits, print and digital teaching resources. Carolina is proud to be part of the Elementary Development Consortium, providing kits and materials for field testing at schools nationwide. The addition of the K to 5 units will complete Carolina’s Certified Version of OpenSciEd series for grades K to 12. With 40 years immersed in school science curriculum, Carolina partnered with nonprofit science developer OpenSciEd to launch a complete K through 12 offering of OpenSciEd’s high-quality science curriculum. The first K-5 units of the new version will be available to schools for purchase through Carolina by the end of this year. Educators are invited to visit Carolina in booth 401 at NSTA to see current Carolina Certified kits.
OpenSciEd’s mission is to give teachers the materials, support, and power to get kids excited and curious about the world around them and confident in their ability to figure it out through questioning, investigating, and solving problems. As educators are challenged to implement new science standards, the Carolina Certified Version of OpenSciEd is a unique offering that provides ease-of-use and enhanced support through complete kits with digital, print, and hands-on materials so busy elementary teachers don’t have to spend time shopping for lab materials.
“Carolina has great news for elementary school science teachers with our announcement of new certified OpenSciEd units for grades K to 5 with hands-on kits and simplified, easy-to-use support materials in one package,” said Jim Parrish, President and CEO at Carolina Biological Supply Company. “The new elementary units will add to our existing middle and high school units and offer a complete K through 12 range of Carolina Certified OpenSciEd units. As a Certified Partner we work very closely with the developer to provide materials that maintain the high-quality standards of the open-source content.”
As a Certified Partner, Carolina is creating comprehensive and flexible purchase options to support the units. Lab materials and equipment will be available as complete kits, refurbishment materials, and individual components. Redesigned printed teacher editions and student resources will be available. All instructional resources will also be available digitally, including videos and simulations, accessible in one place with assignable content to students and reporting for teachers and administrators. Carolina will also offer Certified Professional Learning for the programs.
Features
Carolina redesigned the instructional materials to make them easier for teachers to follow with a consistent design and lesson flow. Simple hands-on materials reduce time for prep and cleanup. Tested lessons and materials ensure the safety, quality, and accuracy of investigations, and ADA compliance of instructional materials supports equity. New digital resources engage students, support teachers, and provide reporting to administrators.
Availability
The first Carolina Certified Version of OpenSciEd units for grades K through 5 will be available in 2024 and will roll out through spring 2026. For information, visit Carolina’s website, call (800) 334-5551, or e-mail curriculum@carolina.com.
Carolina Biological Supply Company
From its beginnings in 1927, Carolina (www.carolina.com) has grown to become the leading supplier of science teaching materials in the world. Headquartered in Burlington, NC, Carolina serves customers worldwide, including teachers, students, and professionals in science and health-related fields. The company is still privately owned by descendants of the founder, geology and biology professor Dr. Thomas E. Powell Jr.
