Science Kit FAQ
Q: When do science kits come to my room?
View the kit delivery schedule for each school district and building. In general:
| Kits arrive at School | Kits return to SMERC |
| Late August - just before school starts | Mid November |
| Mid December - just before Christmas break | Early March |
| Late March - just before spring break | Mid June |
Q: When do critters arrive?
You should find a critter delivery schedule in your kit. View the 2011-12 Critter Delivery Schedule North Route or 2011-12 Critter Delivery Schedule East Route. There are three critter deliver days each rotation, usually spaced two weeks apart. The first live animals start arriving about a week after school starts. You’ll then receive your second shipment around week thee and the final shipment around week five.
Return critters on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday only. Place them in their original container where your "in-district" courier/pony picks up materials.
Q: Can I keep the critters?
Yes, you can keep the critters if you provide your own containers. Please do not release critters into the wild as some are non-native and could be considered invasive.
Q: What if kit parts get broken or critters die?
E: Bo Haldeman
P: 360.750.7513
There is a bag for broken/worn/damaged parts. If a part comes broken or a critter arrives dead, contact us for a replacement. Critters that die are both a problem and a learning opportunity; we hope you use the learning opportunity.
Q: Do I really have to inventory all the parts in each kit?
Yes. Student or parent helpers can make this task easier. The SMERC staff inventory every kit before the next rotation which means checking close to half a million parts in a three week period. The more organized you and other teachers return kits the more likely you receive a complete and organized kit in the next rotation.
When is professional development for science?
View current workshops
Initial kit training is generally each summer (August) and during the winter (December). Inquiry, Reading and Writing integration is by building request or along with summer classes.
- Fall: Earth Science Content
- Winter: Physical Science Content
- Spring: Life Science Content
Q: What is the Professional Development (PD) Plan?
Year 1: Initial kit training for the three kits you teach
Year 2: Content courses related to the kits you teach
Year 3: Inquiry, Reading and Writing integration courses
Year 4: Be a life long learner of science, taking advantage of on-going professional development opportunities. Become a science "champion" by becoming an instructor or facilitator.
Q: Who is the Science Liaison Teacher (SLT) I hear you talk about?
The Science Liaison is the 'science champion' in each building that helps communicate science information and opportunities to that building. Use them to be a first line to ask questions, provide us with feedback or to get help in general.
Q: What is FOSS?
FOSS = Full Option Science System
The FOSS project began over 20 years ago during at time of growing concern that our nation was not providing young students with an adequate science education. The best way for students to appreciate the scientific enterprise, learn important scientific concepts, and develop the ability to think critically is to actively construct ideas through their own inquiries, investigations and analyses.
Q: What is SMERC?
SMERC = Science & Math Education Resource Center
Starting with six school districts in 1997, SMERC now includes almost every school district in Southwest Washington. SMERC provides science kits and professional development for how to use them effectively in the classroom for 30 school districts and over 2,000 teachers.