The Smithsonian Science Education Center’s elementary curriculum, Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, received an “all-green” rating for its grades 3–5 instructional materials in a new report published by EdReports. Together with the “all-green” rating for grades K-2 in 2024, the full Smithsonian Science for the Classroom K-5 series now has an “all-green” rating from EdReports.
Highly coveted, green ratings demonstrate that a curriculum meets the expectations of High-Quality Instructional Materials set by EdReports. Smithsonian Science for the Classroom is designed from the ground up to meet the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and engages students in phenomenon- and problem-driven learning through hands-on investigations, collaborative discussions and digital interactives.
EdReports is an independent nonprofit that brings together expert educators to produce evidence-rich reviews of instructional materials. The rigorous evaluation sets a standard for identifying high-quality instructional materials, and the decisions made by EdReports are driven by what best informs the education field. EdReports found that the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom K–5 instructional materials earned a green rating in the three categories used to determine the quality and alignment of the curriculum with educational standards: Designed for NGSS, Coherence and Scope, and Usability.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center developed the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum in consultation with teachers and experts, and field tested the content in a range of schools with students from different backgrounds. The curriculum draws on the latest findings and best practices from educational research.
Additionally, it is the only K-5 STEM program proven to raise test scores in science, reading, and math. A five-year randomized controlled trial study conducted by the University of Memphis and published in 2024 revealed that the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum, when paired with high-quality professional learning, led to statistically significant gains in science achievement for students relative to “business as usual” counterparts. The study also found students performed better in reading and math on their state assessments than their peers who received business-as-usual instruction
The meets expectations we’ve received from EdReports combined with the results of the efficacy study not only emphasizes the quality of our curriculum, but also underlines our commitment to creating authentic, integrated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experiences for all students. Districts and educators can feel confident that using our high-quality instructional materials, in conjunction with aligned high-quality professional learning, will improve teaching practices and lead to improved student achievement in science, reading, and math,” said Carol O’Donnell, The Douglas M. Lapp and Anne B. Keiser Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center.
“The Smithsonian is committed to creating the highest quality education experience for students and teachers, and upholding our belief that access to exceptional STEM education resources can change lives,” said Monique Chism, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education.
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About the Smithsonian Science Education Center
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is Transforming K-12 Education Through Science in collaboration with communities across the globe. SSEC is nationally and internationally recognized for the quality of its programs and its impact on K–12 science education. Visit the SSEC website to learn more about Smithsonian Science for the Classroom. Follow SSEC on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.