About the John A. Kriekard Hands On Science Center at the Paradise Valley Unified School District

The Hands On Science Center (HOSC) provides “kit-based” science materials that are ready to use when they arrive in the classrooms. The process for ordering from the Center is much like checking out a library book. Teachers request which science kit they want within a defined time period. The kit will be delivered ready for instruction and picked up after the teacher is finished teaching the investigations. HOSC staff members will replenish the kits upon return so they will be ready to be delivered to another classroom.

This full-service facility provides materials, kits and laboratory supplies to facilitate inquiry-based science instruction embedded in a variety of standards-based content. HOSC staff will refurbish, inventory and redistribute the kits. These FOSS*, STC*, and SEPUP* kit programs consist of two instructional kits per grade. The instructional time averages eight weeks per kit. The kits include a Teacher's Guide, 32 student texts, video support for the teacher and materials for hands-on activities by all students.

The Board of the National Science Foundation recommends the science materials distributed by the center. These programs integrate reading (non-fiction), writing, and math. Research has shown that test scores improve in all areas as a result of using this integrated approach to science instruction.

Paradise Valley administrators and teachers are proud of the strong focus on science instruction and professional development in order to provide exemplary science instruction programs. New curriculum resources, including technology, have been integrated to assure that all students have equitable opportunities to experience and learn science. The Hands On Science center will provide a solution to managing materials so teachers can manage the learning environment.

*FOSS (Full Option Science System) is a modular science program comprised of 27 modules.The modules are organized under four strands: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science and Scientific Reasoning and Technology. The modular structure of the FOSS program is intended to give teachers the opportunity to adapt and implement the materials according to their own programs.

Full Option Science System (FOSS) for Middle School is a general science curriculum for students in grades 6-8. The curriculum is organized into topical units, called courses, under each of three strands: Earth and Space Science, Life Science and Physical Science and Technology.

*SEPUP (The Science Education for Public Understanding Program) creates innovative science curriculum for use in 6–12 education. One of the most unique aspects of SEPUP materials is its issue-oriented approach: SEPUP curriculum uses personal and societal issues to introduce and explore science concepts.

Located at the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California at Berkeley, SEPUP is a not-for-profit project that was established in 1987 originally as CEPUP. Since that time, SEPUP has supported excellence in science education by developing research-based curricular materials and providing teacher professional development.

*STC (Science and Technology Concepts) is an inquiry- centered, school science curriculum developed by the National Science Resources Center (NSRC). Each STC module provides opportunities for students to experience scientific phenomena firsthand.

The John A. Kriekard Hands On
Science Center
is located at the Distribution Center
3012 E. Greenway Rd.
Phoenix, AZ  85032  

Contact:
Linda Coyle
Curriculum Dept.
(602) 449-2100
lcoyle@pvschools.net

The John A. Kriekard
Hands On Science Center
is presented by The Foundation for Public Education in partnership with PVUSD
www.tfpe.org