Science Materials Centers
Materials Support is one of the five elements of Washington State Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER). The ongoing support of Science Materials Centers’ personnel has helped research-based science teaching and learning reach the current level of prevalence in Washington State and beyond.
At Science Materials Centers, science kits/modules are stored, refurbished and delivered to teachers when needed. Science Materials Centers are a cost effective means for implementing inquiry-based science as large amounts of materials are purchased, managed, and distributed. Further, the burden of purchasing and managing materials is removed from the classroom teacher, and some Science Materials Centers even raise and keep living organisms. The Science Materials Centers’ staffs are constantly working on optimizing efficiency, purchasing power, and their service for all teachers.
Washington State Nuts & Bolts
The Washington State Nuts & Bolts group offers leadership and support for science materials center personnel.
Washington State Science Materials Centers
There are two types of Washington State Science Materials Centers:
1. Centralized materials centers that support a consortium of school districts.
2. District based Science Materials Centers that support schools within their own school district (some also service neighboring school districts).
Science Materials Center Events
Association of Science Materials Centers
The Association of Science Materials Centers offers support for science materials centers in the development, implementation and sustained improvement of science education.