What are some great, used science modules or kits?

 In another life, the upper school science teachers mapped out the science modules for the lower school teachers.  Lower school, elementary, and home-school instructors spend most of their time teaching basic skills.  We picked four modules to span the year and encouraged the lower school teachers to spend time on Fridays doing science.  (I still think Friday afternoons are perfect for some science.)  We invested many, many hours creating and tweaking a spiraling curriculum for the lower school to include physical, earth, and life sciences from K-5.  Many of these modules, kits, and programs are available used, usually on eBay or Good Will.  Below are a few of the best.  Rob and I adapt the materials in any kit to suit our classes.

1. Carolina Biological offers STC Elementary Units and Smithsonian STC Elementary Curriculum. Here is the Smithsonian STC website with a bit more information.   These programs have excellent materials.  Each program has an associated book, also available used.  Be selective!  When you look at the contents of each program you’ll see some are better than others. 

2. Another favorite is FOSS or Delta Science.  I bought a used module from Good Will.  I used the balances for science camp; Rob used the electricity components for Physics.  They’re designed for elementary classes.  However, the circuit systems work, unlike other sets he’s used. The FOSS or Delta modules are better for Physical Science than EarthScience.  The issue is that it can be hard to locate the instructor’s manuals.  If you can locate two or three drawers, you’ll have enough materials for most of a year’s science program—provided you can find all the books and manuals.  One of the best Delta kits is Science in a Nutshell Gears at Work Kit.  Yes, just this kit from Science in a Nutshell.  

 3. NASCO, Neo-Science, and  Innovating Science are generally good.  However, I want to see the contents and retail price before I bid.  These kits tend to be more appropriate for upper elementary to middle school aged kids.

4. If you can buy a large lot or find the right price, the MEL Science kits are terrific for elementary chemistry.  My target prices for a used kit is $10.  They’re fine as supplementary lessons, but not as an independent  curriculum.