STCMS is a hands-on science program that brings highly engaging 3D learning and 3D assessment to middle school classrooms.
Developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), STCMS modules:
Everything a teacher needs to teach! Every module purchase includes:
Hands-on materials kits are available in two sizes: A 1-class kit provides material to teach one class of 32 students one time, and a 5-class kit provides materials to teach up to five classes of 32 students one time. Digital access for teachers and students through Carolina Science Online™ is always included! There are never any teacher or student licensing fees—ever!
Yes! STCMS was developed to meet the three dimensions of the NGSS. A blend of hands-on investigation, science literacy, and digital integration immerses students in real-world phenomena and asks them to solve real-world problems. Examples of phenomena in STCMS include exploring the energy and motion of roller coasters and balloon rockets and the flow of energy through ecosystems in the context of classroom-created ponds. Examples of engineering design problems include finding a way to keep fruit from a food truck from falling into the street and designing a detailed plan for a storm-resistant building.
The STCMS 3D assessment system provides powerful tools that allow you to assess your students every step of the way and use the results to adjust instruction to help prepare them for middle school testing.
The 3D assessment system includes:
Science, literacy, and math are natural partners. By using STCMS, teachers can efficiently prepare students to meet science, math, and English language arts (ELA) standards.
STCMS modules integrate reading and writing literacy that develops student understanding by making direct connections between experiential phenomena and the real world through reading selections within the Student Guide and through student notebooking.
Lesson investigations ask students to engage with middle school–appropriate math skills, allowing them to learn to quantitatively describe and measure objects, events, and processes.
Common Core ELA and Math connections are highlighted in the lesson planner of each Teacher Edition.
Yes! Smithsonian’s STCMS hands-on program INCLUDES kits with every purchase. The quality, durability, and age appropriateness of curriculum kit materials are at the forefront of the development of kits from Carolina. All materials are rigorously tested for quality and durability in the classroom and for effectiveness of intended outcomes in investigations. Careful consideration is given to cost and reusability of materials for all kits. Kits are packaged in durable, stackable totes for maximum storability and mobility.
1-class kits contain enough consumable materials to teach the unit 1 time to a class of up to 32 students. 5-class kits contain enough consumables (including living materials cards for those kits that have them) to teach the unit to up to 5 classes of 32 students (160 students) a day. The number of reusable/non-consumable items does not vary between a 1- and 5-class kit.
Many of the items in the Smithsonian’s STCMS module kits can be reused. For items that are consumed and need to be replenished, 1-class and 5-class refurbishment sets are available. Refurbishment kit vouchers are available for pre-purchase at the start of implementation for future use. Additionally, individual component items are available for purchase using the Smithsonian Components Catalog, Carolina.com, or Carolina’s Customer Service.
Refurbishment kit vouchers allow you to pre-purchase refurbishment kits for multiple years of program implementation. Vouchers can be redeemed when you are ready to refurbish your kits. Vouchers include the cost of shipping, so there is no added expense at the time of redemption.
Yes! The hands-on approach of STCMS naturally supports the diverse learning styles and abilities among students. The program provides teachers with tools to support these diverse needs and students with first-hand learning experiences.
Hands-on investigations offer students a variety of ways to demonstrate understanding through writing, drawing, and student discourse. This in turn offers teachers a variety of ways to monitor students’ progress and understanding.
Functionality of resources was considered during development. Modules provide:
Yes! Student resources are available in Spanish—both in print and digitally.
Spanish resources include:
Smithsonian’s STCMS thoughtfully and flexibly integrates digital resources that meaningfully enhance learning. Whether a classroom is 1-to-1 or has only one computer, you can fully teach this program.
Digital resources include:
Yes. Carolina Science Online is compatible with most LMS.
Yes! There are two ways to preview the program. We offer a digital review of the complete program. If you would like to see more, we can arrange to have samples sent for your review or talk to you about setting up a pilot.
No! Recognizing that there is tremendous variation in access to technology, Smithsonian’s STCMS was designed for flexible integration of digital resources. Investigations that utilize digital resources were designed to be completed in small groups, pairs, or individually, depending on the available technology. Whether a classroom is 1-to-1 or has only one computer, students have everything they need to complete every investigation.
Yes! There are two ways to preview the program. We offer a digital review of the complete program. If you would like to see more, we can arrange to have samples sent for your review or talk to you about setting up a pilot.
Never! Digital access for teachers and students is included with your purchase of the program and extends through the life of the adoption.
Yes! Carolina Biological Supply Company is committed to providing comprehensive, customized professional development to meet the needs of teachers, staff, and administrators. Carolina’s professional development provides multiple opportunities for all teachers to master the curriculum and implement best practices. Formats include hands-on workshops, webinars, and teacher resource videos. Learn more about Get Ready! Professional Learning
Teacher’s editions are found within the red crate that has the item number in this format: XXXXXX-1. Teacher’s editions are typically found on the floor of the crate to avoid any warping.
Digital resources are accessed using a code sent via email when your kit is shipped. We often send the email to whoever placed the order, usually a purchaser at your school or district. If you cannot find the email, call our customer service team at 800.334.5551.
They will be able to locate the code and help you access your resources. If possible, have the order number or purchase order number available to help them locate your information quickly.
To redeem your voucher and request shipment of your materials, follow the steps below. Place your order 10 days prior to when you want to receive it.
1. Go to www.carolina.com/vouchers
2. Enter your shipping information and the redemption code(s) from your voucher(s).
3. Follow the remaining instructions to complete your request.
Your living materials sheets will be in a clear shipping envelope that looks like this that is adhered to the side of the blue tub of the kit if it is new or the side of the brown Carolina box if it is a refurbishment. (Remember to hang on to the 2 additional sheets/sheet sets if you’ve purchased a 3-Use kit or refurbishment.)
Call customer service at 800.334.5551 with your order number. They will be able to look up the living materials control number for your specific order.
Care guide information for units that have living materials can be found in Tab 5 Materials Management and Safety section of the teacher’s edition. If you are using the digital teacher’s edition, this information can be found by clicking on the Module Title →selecting the Front Matter and Resources tile → Tab 5 Materials Management and Safety
Module materials that require and SDS are designated in the Materials List of the Teacher’s Edition with a dagger (†).
Chemical components that require SDS information (components designated in the Materials List of the Teacher’s Guide with a dagger (†) are available at www.carolina.com/SDS.
Click here to view regional sales information and identify your region’s sales manager or contact us at curriculum@carolina.com.