Instructional Materials

BSCS instructional materials span from grades K–college comprehensive curriculum to supplemental modules. We develop materials using a proven process that has been refined continually since 1958. Our comprehensive development process makes use of the most recent research in learning and teaching. We work with top scientists, science educators, and teachers around the country to ensure that our materials are accurate, pedagogically sound, user friendly, and effective in the classroom.

BSCS materials stress inquiry-based learning—encouraging students to view science as an ongoing relevant process. Students come to understand and appreciate the tentative nature of science and the continuing importance to, and impact on, their lives. Additionally, many of our programs use the BSCS 5E Instructional Model. Each E represents part of the process of helping students sequence their learning experiences to construct their understanding of concepts.

Modules developed by BSCS with funding from a variety of sources including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Energy (DOE) allow us to provide supplemental materials that bring cutting-edge science into the classroom. The modules combine science with state-of-the-art instructional practices. Modules are developed using the BSCS 5E Instructional Model, are consistent with National Science Education Standards, promote critical thinking, incorporate real scientific data to engage and challenge students, and are aligned to state educational standards. Each module includes full sets of teacher and student materials in addition to web components. NIH modules are available in HTML and PDF versions online. Print versions are free to U.S. educators upon request.

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Bioinformatics and the Human Genome Project provides teachers with background information about development and applications of bioinformatics...

Biological Perspectives emphasizes the big picture of biology by highlighting concepts, using relevant examples and familiar analogies that truly illustrate the concepts being discussed, and by using an informal tone and short vignettes that...

BSCS Biology: A Human Approach has been revised for the fourth edition to incorporate more sense-making and metacognition strategies, improve conceptual flow, and provide more support for teachers. An online learning environment has...

Using a student-centered, active-learning approach, BSCS Biology: An Ecological Approach offers students a rich array of hands-on activities and laboratories that develop inquiry skills and conceptual understanding. BSCS believes...

BSCS Science & Technology is a multi-level, thematic program that integrates life science, Earth and space science, and physical science in the context of themes and issues that have meaning for science students. Using hands-on...

BSCS Science Tracks: Connecting Science and Literacy is a comprehensive, modular, kit-based elementary school science program that includes a full year of instruction at each grade level, K–5. At each grade level, 1–5, there are four...

BSCS Science: An Inquiry Approach represents a new generation of instructional materials for high school science. The program introduces students to the core concepts in inquiry, the life science, the Earth and space science, and the...

Cell Biology and Cancer teaches students about the revolution that has taken place in our understanding of cancer in the last 30 years. The inquiry-based student activities involve students in active learning about cell biology and...

By focusing on the science of toxicology, Chemicals, the Environment, and You: Explorations in Science and Human Health introduces students to the ways scientists learn about and measure how chemicals can help and harm human health....

In Doing Science: The Process of Scientific Inquiry, students explore the basic aspects of scientific inquiry by learning that science is not just experimentation but also uses observations, surveys, and other nonexperimental...