All students can envision themselves in a STEM-related field when they have active, equitable learning from reliable curricular resources.
STEM Career Vision Board Activity – NEW!
Science Classroom Posters
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is dedicated to ensuring all students are included in STEM opportunities and recognize themselves in STEM.
One way the SSEC achieves its goals is by developing exemplary standards-aligned curricula, including the comprehensive, research-based Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ program for grades K–5 and Science and Technology Concepts™ Middle School (STCMS™) program.
Support for All Students
A central challenge of teaching is to move young minds forward. Support for all students is carefully considered in the design of Smithsonian Science Programs™ for grades K–8. Each Smithsonian program addresses support for all students in three ways.
1. Universal Design for Learning
Recognizing that supports for all student populations typically benefit all learners, the program developers use a universal design approach.
- Learning modules offer a variety of ways for students to demonstrate knowledge and skills, such as written, verbal, or speech to text.
- Student-facing materials, such as notebook sheets, use large sans serif fonts.
- Picture-based or simple text directions are provided for student reference during activities.
- Videos with spoken words have closed-captioning.
- Text alternatives are provided for digital simulations.
- The Smithsonian Science Stories Literacy Series readers are available at above- and below-grade levels and in English and Spanish.
- Procedure steps minimize ableist language. For example, a step may suggest that students “move across the room,” instead of “walk across the room.”
2. English Learner Support
- Student e-books are available with text-to-speech in English and Spanish through Carolina Science Online.
- Student-facing materials, including copy masters and digital resources, are available in English and Spanish.
- Sentence frames help English learners develop fluency and communicate concepts.
3. Cultural Connections
- Phenomena and problems are selected so students from different backgrounds can connect with the content. Context is provided when phenomena may be unfamiliar to students.
- The Smithsonian Science Stories Literacy Series intentionally features scientists and engineers and provides information about possible career paths.
- Extensions offer additional activities with cultural connections and links to a variety of topics, such as arts, literacy, mathematics, and community.
