Sally Ride Science Brings Cutting-Edge Science to the Classroom with New Content Rich Classroom Sets

(San Diego, CA) - Students begin school with strong natural interests in science and the world around them. However, for many, those interests noticeably decline — as do test scores — by the time they reach high school. On the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science test, 68 percent of the nation’s fourth graders, 59 percent of eighth graders, and only 54 percent of 12th graders scored at or above the Basic achievement level. To help educators encourage and sustain students’ interests in science, Sally Ride Science™ announces their new Classroom Sets, ready-made science content to complement existing classroom instruction in upper elementary and middle school classrooms.

Since 2001, Sally Ride Science has sparked and supported students’ interests in science with innovative programs and award-winning publications. Founded by Dr. Sally Ride, best known as America’s first woman in space, this science content company creates opportunities for students and their teachers to explore the fascinating world of science – from astrobiology to zoology – in ways that educate, entertain, engage and inspire.

The new Sally Ride Science Classroom Sets present critical content through clear and lively text, vibrant photography, thought provoking activities and real-world examples from cutting-edge scientists. Each Classroom Set enables educators to teach standards-based science content, build vocabulary and nonfiction literacy skills, and engage all students. This fall, schools can select from four unique sets — Solar System, Science Careers, Astronomy, and Climate Change. Sally Ride Science plans to regularly release new Classroom Sets on a range of topics. The next release, Earth’s Precious Resources, is scheduled for December.

“Science education has never been more important,” said Dr. Sally Ride, president and CEO of Sally Ride Science. “Plus, now that No Child Left Behind requires states to measure students’ progress in science, teachers need new ways to present critical information and motivate students to want to learn more. Our Classroom Sets connect the classroom to the outside world, and show young people that science is creative, collaborative, fascinating and fun.”

Aligned to state and national standards, Sally Ride Science Classroom Sets are designed to supplement existing teaching tools and lessons. Each Classroom Set includes eight copies of four unique titles packaged in an attractive, sturdy box for classroom display. In addition, each set includes access to online Teacher Guides and downloadable blackline masters. The Teacher Guides provide innovative tips for incorporating the Classroom Sets into classroom instruction, and contain useful strategies for promoting gender equity in the classroom and beyond. Unlike many traditional science texts, the Classroom Sets’ lesson plans and activities motivate students to learn while encouraging them to think about their own interests and future goals. Individual Classroom Sets are priced at $279 each. Special pricing is available for multiple sets bundled for teachers and for schools of all sizes.

 

About Sally Ride Science

Sally Ride Science is an innovative science content company dedicated to fueling girls’ and boys’ interests in science, math and technology. Dr. Sally Ride, best known as America’s first woman in space, founded the company in 2001 to create quality programs and products that educate, entertain, engage and inspire. Our programs include Sally Ride Science Festivals; TOYchallenge, a national toy design competition for grades 5-8; educator institutes; summer camps; and after-school programs. Our publications include award-winning science books, science career books, a science newsletter, and Classroom Sets to supplement science instruction. Our publications and programs bring science to life and show kids that science is creative, collaborative, fascinating and fun. For more information go to www.SallyRideScience.com or call 1-800-561-5161.