In a significant stride towards enhancing science education for middle school students, the Carolina Biological Supply Company proudly announced that its Certified Version of OpenSciEd for grades 6 to 8 has received the prestigious all-green rating from EdReports. This recognition underscores the curriculum’s excellence across various dimensions of educational content, including adherence to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), content coherence and scope, as well as overall usability. This certification not only marks a milestone in curricular excellence but also reaffirms Carolina’s commitment to providing high-quality science education materials.

EdReports, a respected nonprofit organization, plays a crucial role in the educational landscape by offering comprehensive reports and reviews that assist K-12 educators in selecting top-notch instructional materials in math, language arts, and science. Their meticulous evaluation process, conducted by a team of seasoned educators, ensures that only the highest quality materials are recommended for use. Achieving an all-green rating from EdReports is testament to the rigorous standards met by Carolina’s Certified Version of OpenSciEd, highlighting its alignment with educational standards and its user-friendly design.

The collaboration between Carolina, a leading supplier of science teaching materials, and OpenSciEd, a nonprofit dedicated to developing open-source science curricula, exemplifies a shared vision for accessible, adaptable, and high-quality educational resources. OpenSciEd’s Executive Director, Jim Ryan, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting Carolina’s Certified Version of the OpenSciEd curriculum for grades 6-8 has made the program more accessible and user-friendly for teachers, without compromising the quality of instructional materials.

The enhancements made by Carolina to the OpenSciEd units encompass redesigned print materials, streamlined equipment, and an enriched digital experience, coupled with certified professional learning opportunities. These improvements are designed to support teachers in transitioning to a more student-centered and phenomena-driven approach to science teaching, fostering an engaging and participatory learning environment for students.

Jim Parrish, President and CEO of Carolina, expressed gratitude for the recognition by EdReports, emphasizing the value such evaluations provide in guiding educators towards reliable and high-quality educational resources. He pointed out that teachers invest considerable time searching for the best materials, and endorsements from EdReports can significantly ease this process, ensuring that educators have access to resources that meet exemplary standards of quality and effectiveness.

The Carolina Biological Supply Company has a storied history dating back to 1927, when it was founded by Dr. Thomas E. Powell Jr., a geology and biology professor. From its early beginnings, Carolina has grown into a global leader in the supply of science teaching materials, serving teachers, students, and professionals in science and health-related fields with a commitment to excellence and innovation. The company’s achievement in receiving the all-green rating from EdReports for its Certified Version of OpenSciEd for middle school further cements its position as a pioneer in the development of cutting-edge educational resources.

Educators interested in exploring the Carolina Certified Version of OpenSciEd and its offerings can visit the dedicated online portal at https://www.carolinaopenscied.com. The curriculum units, now available for purchase, represent a significant step forward in the evolution of science education, promising to enrich the learning experience for middle school students across diverse educational settings.