Who developed the STC/MS curriculum?
STC/MS was 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 co-sponsored by the Smithsonian and the NAS, began developing STC/MS in 1998 and completed the curriculum in 2003.

Who 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.

Who is the National Academy of Sciences?
The National Academy of Sciences 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/MS program?
Information is available online and in print.
 

	Online: STC/MS home page
	How STC/MS™ Addresses the National Science Education Standards
	Print: Carolina’s Curriculum Marketing department offers an STC/MS information packet containing an informative booklet, catalog, and other helpful information about the STC/MS program. To request the information packet, call 800-227-1150, or email your request to stcms@carolina.com.

Who publishes and sells STC/MS materials?
STC/MS is published exclusively by Carolina Biological Supply Company, Burlington, N.C. Carolina, the nation’s largest distributor of classroom science materials, also is the only company that distributes STC/MS kit materials that have been reviewed and approved by the developer of the STC/MS program, the National Science Resources Center.

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.

What evaluation options are offered to sites and districts reviewing curriculum? Can I try out some STC/MS materials in my classroom before purchasing them?
Carolina offers several options for schools or districts seeking to evaluate the STC/MS program. To inquire about these offers or to request the STC/MS information packet, call 800-227-1150.
 

	Materials to preview-The comprehensive, module-specific STC/MS Teacher’s Guide is the best source of information about each module. Although the guide provides a brief introduction to the entire STC/MS curriculum, it focuses on features unique to that module, such as goals, structure, conceptual sequence, teaching strategies, assessment, and materials and equipment. By reviewing the Teacher’s Guide along with its corresponding Student Guide and Source Book, an experienced middle school science educator will understand what an STC/MS module offers students in content, pedagogy, and materials. To receive sample Teacher’s Guides and Student Guides, call 800-227-1150, ext. 5265, or email stcmspreview@carolina.com.
	Pilot programs-To help you become familiar with the STC/MS program, we may place one module in your school or system, for selected teachers to try out in their classrooms. Typically, these teachers then become the STC/MS trainers for the school or district. A district pilot must 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 stcmspreview@carolina.com.
	Presentations-We will provide an overview of the STC/MS program’s goals, development, and philosophy, along with a description of typical module components and the logistics of implementation. A presentation may take a “jigsaw” approach, in which groups of participants work through specific activities from a module and then report on their activities and findings. The reports follow the sequence in which the activities occur in the module, so participants get a feel for the way STC/MS approaches concept development. To arrange for a presentation in your district, call 800-227-1150, ext. 5265.
	Correlations to science standards - STC/MS is standards-based, aligned with the National Science Education Standards. For an overview of the science content standards met by the various units in the Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools program, download the document How STC/MS™ Addresses the National Science Education Standards. To see if a correlation of STC/MS to your state’s standards is available, visit http://www.carolina.com/stcms/correlations.asp, or call Carolina’s Curriculum Marketing Department at 800-227-1150, ext. 5984.