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How to Handle, Store, and Repair Microscope Slides

Carolina™ prepared microscope slides provide an essential component for the in-depth study of botany, zoology, histology, embryology, parasitology, genetics, and pathology. After receiving your slides, proper care will keep them in good condition and make them last as long as possible. In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss the handling, storage, and repair of prepared slides.

Handling

Teach students proper slide handling and slides can be used year after year. Slides should be held by the edges, avoiding the cover glass area. Always begin viewing a slide using the microscope’s lowest magnification. This reduces the risk of contact by the microscope’s objective lens. Afterwards, switch to a higher magnification if needed.

Keep the microscope’s objective lens and other objects from coming into contact with a slide. Pressure on the cover glass can cause it to break or loosen. When finished viewing, remove the slide from the microscope and place it in its storage container. Leaving the slide on the illuminated stage for extended periods of time can cause fading and other damage.

When slides get soiled, you can clean them with soapy water or isopropyl alcohol. Do not immerse slides in water or soak them in it. This loosens the cover glass adhesive, causing the cover glass to come off and possibly ruin the slide.

Storage

To keep your prepared microscope slides in good condition, always store them in a container made for the purpose and away from heat and bright light. The ideal storage area is a cool, dark location, such as a closed cabinet in a temperature-controlled room. Stained slides naturally fade over time. Keeping them in a cool, dark location helps slow down the process.

Slides should be kept horizontal (flat) with the specimen side up. If they are stored on edge, the cover glass or specimen may shift out of position. Take care not to stack slides on top of one another or apply pressure to the cover glass.

Repair

Common problems include a broken slide or cover glass, bubbles in the mounting agent, and specimens shifted to the edge of the cover glass. If a slide or cover glass is broken, dispose of it and replace it immediately to prevent anyone from being cut. The adhesive used to attach a cover glass to a slide is applied as a liquid. As the liquid dries, it only hardens around the edges of the cover glass. With rough handling this seal can crack or loosen, allowing the liquid to ooze out. You can fix a broken seal by applying a small amount of fresh mounting media to the break. Clear nail polish sometimes works if you don’t have any mounting media handy.

Most slide repairs require some amount of skill. Often it is easier and more cost effective to replace the slide rather than to repair it.

Testing the Air Quality at AYVA with PASCO’s Wireless Air Quality Sensor

Today we tested out PASCO’s new Air Quality Wireless Sensor. Using this sensor, we were able to determine the temperature, humidity, particulate matter, VOC’s, and levels of ozone and nitrous oxide present. We tested the air quality of four different environments. First inside AYVA’s office, then directly outside the office, behind a car while it is running, and inside a car while it is running. 

In all of these runs ozone and nitrous oxide levels were found to be 0 ppm. Ozone and nitrous oxide can be very dangerous so we were happy to see no evidence of it in all four environments. 

We can also see that the temperature was much higher for the runs inside and outside of the office, compared to the runs inside and outside of the running car which is likely due to the sensor being in a shaded area when outside.

We noticed that the humidity is lowest inside both the office and the running car, which is likely due to the air conditioning in both spaces. The humidity outside is much higher since there is no air conditioning or ventilation, therefore readings 2 and 3 had much higher relative humidity percentages.

Analyzing the VOC graph, it is clear that VOC levels in the air were heavily influenced when placing the sensor directly outside the exhaust of a running car, which makes sense considering the large levels of carbon dioxide being emitted. Since air conditioning can also affect VOC levels, runs 1 and 3 were not very stable. However, run 2 remained relatively stationary, as there was no air conditioning of fumes interfering with any organic compounds in the air.

The particulate matter levels were highest during run 3 where the sensor was placed behind a running car and the lowest during run 2 where the sensor was placed just outside of the office. This makes sense because the exhaust from the car would have more particulate matter than the air outside. Inside the office and car there was some particulate matter probably due to the air conditioning. 

Using the Air Quality Sensor with these experiments, we were able to get a better understanding of different factors that affect air quality, such as humidity, VOCs and particulate matter.

Storage and Disposal of Preserved Specimens

Easy. Reliable. Secure.

Many dissection labs can spread across multiple class periods and days at a time. Whether you’re looking to preserve specimens for only a few months or a much longer period, Carolina has you covered.

Vacuum-packed specimens

Vacuum-packed specimens are stored in vacuum-sealed, leak-proof plastic barrier bags. Specimens are offered as either single-packed (one specimen per bag) or bulk-packed (more than one specimen per bag). Single-packed bags are easy to distribute to students in small groups, while bulk-packed bags are ideal for teachers looking to use more than one specimen at once. Quantity discounts are only available for bulk-packed bags. 

In order to retain moisture of the specimens and fend off mold growth, Carolina’s Wetting Solution can be used between dissection labs. After spraying specimens with the solution, they can be returned to the vacuum-sealed bags and sealed with clips or rubber bands. This bag can be placed within a second resealable bag for added protection.

Disposal Methods

Disposal of specimens has never been easier than with Carolina’s Perfect Solution®. However, before disposing of any specimens or fluids, it is advised to contact local waste or wastewater authorities to confirm that the disposal procedure is acceptable at your school. It is also important to address disposal with a supervisor if your school contains its own septic system or aerobic waste treatment system.

Specimens stored in Carolina’s Perfect Solution® can generally be disposed of in a school’s regular waste. These specimens do not fall under hazardous waste and do not pose a biohazardous threat. It is recommended to double bag any specimens that are being disposed of as an additional precaution.

Fluids involved in pails containing Carolina’s Perfect Solution® can be put down the sink and washed down with lots of water. The fluid is not classified as chemical waste.

It is still important to wear appropriate PPE when disposing of Carolina specimens and fluids, including gloves, an apron, and splash goggles, and to work in a well ventilated area.

 

Lessons Learned from the Great American Eclipse

Eclipses aren’t only awe-inspiring to witness, they’re also an excellent opportunity for science! Find out what scientists (and PASCO!) learned from the 2017 eclipse, and mark your calendar for the upcoming solar eclipses!

What was the Great American Eclipse?

The Great American Eclipse was a total solar eclipse that occurred on August 21, 2017, and was visible across the United States. It was the first total solar eclipse visible from coast to coast in the US in almost a century. The path of totality, where the Moon completely blocked the Sun, passed through 14 states, starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina. At its maximum point, viewers on Earth could experience the eclipse for around 2 minutes and 40 seconds.

The eclipse generated significant public interest, with millions of people traveling to witness the event and many others tuning in to live broadcasts. It also provided a special opportunity for scientists to study the Sun and its effects on Earth.

A Unique Opportunity for Scientific Discovery

The Great American Eclipse led to several scientific discoveries, many of which were only made possible by the unique conditions an eclipse creates. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s light, allowing scientists to gather data about the Sun’s shape, structure, and its relationship with other phenomena, like solar wind. Researchers use a combination of tools to collect eclipse data, including ground-based and airborne instruments, as well as satellites that provide data about the Sun’s corona, magnetic field, and its impact on the Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere.

What Did Scientists Learn from the 2017 Solar Eclipse?

Some of the most significant observations made during the Great American Eclipse regard the corona, the outermost part of the Sun that’s usually too dim to see.

For years, scientists had been puzzled by the fact that the corona is far hotter than the surface of the Sun. During the Great American Eclipse, researchers were finally able to determine just how hot the corona actually is. By measuring the temperature of the corona more accurately, scientists found that it was about one million degrees Celsius (1.7 million degrees Fahrenheit), which is much hotter than the Sun’s surface temperature of around 5,500 degrees Celsius (10,000 degrees Fahrenheit).

But that wasn’t all scientists observed. Researchers also studied the magnetic field of the corona and found it to be much more complex than previously thought. Just like Earth, the Sun has a magnetic field with north and south poles. They also discovered evidence of “coronal loops,” which are giant arcs of plasma that are trapped in the corona’s magnetic field.

The Great American Eclipse provided a rare opportunity for scientists to study the Sun’s corona in ways that are not possible under ordinary conditions. The next opportunity for such studies isn’t until October 14, 2023, when the Great North American Eclipse crosses our skies.

Weather Changes During the Great American Eclipse

Because the Moon’s shadow cools Earth during a solar eclipse, several atmospheric changes occur following the drop in temperature. The 2017 total solar eclipse produced some noticeable weather effects in areas located in the path of totality, particularly in the moments leading up to and during the period of totality.

While the amount of cooling varied depending on the location and the weather conditions at the time, some areas experienced a temperature drop of 6.6ºC! In addition to the reduced temperature, the Great American Eclipse also affected wind patterns. As the air temperature cooled, the density of the air changed, which in turn affected the way that air flowed around the area. This created a brief period of stillness and calm in some areas, as the usual winds died down.

 

Tracking Eclipse Weather Changes With PASCO Wireless Sensors

At PASCO, we made some observations of our own during the Great American Eclipse! Here in Northern California, we only experienced a partial eclipse, but the weather changes did not disappoint! Using a Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS, we measured and compared the relationship between Temperature (ºC) and Light Intensity (lux) over the duration of the eclipse. Check out our results below!

As the Moon covered the Sun, there was a sudden drop in light intensity, which was shortly followed by a reduction in temperature. Though we only experienced a partial eclipse, we still observed a drop in temperature of 2.37ºC!

Looking for ways to study the next eclipse with your students? Head over to our eclipse page to learn how to conduct this experiment for yourself!

Eclipses and Animal Behavior

A solar eclipse catches the attention of people for its beauty and awe, but we might not be the only ones who notice. Many animals also recognize a change in their environment. As the sky darkens and the temperature drops, some species behave peculiarly.

Keeping Your Pet Safe

Worried that your pet will get scared during the eclipse?

It is unlikely that dogs and cats will react to solar eclipses, as they typically do not have a strong biological or behavioral response to changes in light or natural phenomena like eclipses.

However, it is possible that some dogs or cats may become confused or disoriented by the sudden change in light, especially if they are outside during the eclipse. Also, excited crowds can cause anxiety for some pets, so be careful about bringing your furry friend along if you decide to view the solar eclipse from a public place.

To ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during an eclipse, it is generally best to keep them indoors or in a calm, secure environment. You may also want to consider providing your pet with distractions such as toys or treats to keep them occupied and help them feel at ease.

Visit our eclipse page for information on when and where to view upcoming solar eclipses!

Wildlife Reactions to a Solar Eclipse

Wild animals tend to have more overt responses to eclipses than our domestic companions. Some animals may become disoriented or confused by the sudden change in light, while others may simply adjust their activities to the altered conditions.


For example, some birds may stop singing during an eclipse, return to their nests, or stop flying. Researchers reason this is likely because they perceive the darkness as a signal that it is time to roost for the night. Animals that usually start stirring at sunset like frogs and crickets may start to chirp. Some spiders may take down their webs, only to rebuild them again when the sunlight returns. Nocturnal animals such as bats and owls may become active during the eclipse, while diurnal animals such as squirrels and deer might be more active just before and after the eclipse.


In some cases, animals may exhibit unusual or even erratic behavior during an eclipse. For example, researchers have observed ants and bees behaving as if it is nighttime during a total solar eclipse, even though it is still light enough to see. One study during the 1984 eclipse watched as chimpanzees at the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center climbed up their enclosure as high as they could and turned to face the sky.

In a study conducted during the 2017 eclipse at the Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina, researchers found that 76% of the animals they observed exhibited a behavioral change in response to the total eclipse. Most of these behaviors were typical of the animal’s evening routine.


Some of the behaviors, however, indicated some level of anxiety for the animal. For instance, a head male gorilla charged his glass enclosure, and one male giraffe proceeded to sway his entire body, including his neck, back and forth. Strangely, all the baboons ran around their pen together as totality approached, despite having just been in two separate groups. Once totality passed, they stopped running and returned to their previous arrangement. Flamingos also behaved out of character, huddling together on an island in the center of their enclosure and remaining still. As totality waned, the flock dispersed to their usual groups.

The response of animals to solar eclipses is complex and varies depending on a variety of factors, including the species, their natural behaviors, and the specifics of the eclipse itself. So, while enjoying the wonder of a solar eclipse, take note of any animals around you–you might spot some interesting behaviors!

Want to measure light and temperature during an upcoming eclipse for yourself? Check out our collection of free eclipse activities, or learn how to build your own pinhole projector with our DIY Eclipse Handbook.

Order PASCO Eclipse Glasses HERE!

History of Solar Eclipses

Solar eclipses have fascinated humans for thousands of years, and many ancient cultures have developed their own myths and legends to explain these rare astronomical events.

 

Early Explanations

One of the earliest known records of a solar eclipse comes from the ancient Chinese, who recorded an eclipse in 2136 BCE. They believed that a dragon was devouring the Sun, and civilians would make loud noises and bang on pots and pans to scare it away.

In ancient Greece, the philosopher Anaxagoras correctly predicted a solar eclipse in 478 BCE. He was the first to suggest that the Moon shines by reflecting light from the Sun, and he was imprisoned for this proposal. His research led to his discovery that eclipses are caused by the Moon blocking the Sun’s light when it passes in front of it. However, his scientific explanation for the phenomenon was not widely accepted until centuries later.

Another Greek philosopher, Aristotle, later refined this theory, explaining that the Earth was at the center of the universe and that the Moon’s orbit was slightly tilted relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. This meant that eclipses occurred when the Moon passed directly between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on the planet.

The ancient Maya of Central America were also skilled astronomers and recorded solar eclipses in their calendars. They believed that the eclipses were a sign of impending doom, so they would perform elaborate rituals to appease the gods.

In the Middle Ages, Islamic astronomers developed more accurate models of the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets. The Persian astronomer Al-Battani, for example, refined the earlier Greek models, proposing that the Moon’s orbit around the Earth was elliptical rather than circular.

By the time of the Renaissance, scientists had developed even more sophisticated theories to explain eclipses, incorporating ideas such as the rotation of the Earth and the elliptical orbits of the planets.

Today, astronomers have a detailed understanding of the mechanics of eclipses, and are able to predict the exact timing and location of these rare astronomical events with great precision. Solar eclipses are still a source of wonder and fascination, and astronomers and scientists continue to study them to gain a better understanding of our universe.

 

Famous Eclipses

Eclipses that make it to the status of “famous” are generally those that have led to scientific discovery. Some, though, were noted for the sheer number of people who witnessed them.

One of the first recorded eclipses was the Thales of Miletus Eclipse in 585 BCE. The ancient Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus correctly predicted the solar eclipse would occur during a battle between the Lydians and the Medes; however, historians debate the exact year the eclipse occurred, and Thales’ method to predict the event remains uncertain. Regardless, upon observing the phenomenon in the sky, soldiers on both sides laid down their weapons and called a truce to end the war.

In 1715, the famous astronomer Edmund Halley (of Halley’s comet) correctly calculated the event of a solar eclipse within four minutes over England. Halley used Isaac Newton’s newfound theory on gravitation for his prediction, and he’s credited with funding the publication of Newton’s work in the Principia.

The Total Solar Eclipse of 1919 is famous for providing the first experimental evidence for Einstein’s theory of general relativity; Einstein predicted that some stars would appear in a different position in the sky during the eclipse due to the Sun’s gravity bending the starlight. Astronomers observed this shift in position to be accurate, and Einstein published his complete theory soon after.

The Solar Eclipse of August 11, 1999 was the first visible total solar eclipse in the United Kingdom since 1927, and the first visible in Europe in nearly ten years. It was one of the most photographed eclipses in history, viewable to over 350 million people.

The Great American Eclipse of 2017 was a total solar eclipse that was visible–at least partially–across the entire United States. Millions of people watched, as it was the first total solar eclipse to span the United States since 1918.

Solar Eclipse Activities & Resources

Want to conduct your own experiments during this year’s solar eclipse? Give your students the science experience of a lifetime with these free solar eclipse activities. These free activities can be performed with students of all ages and include step-by-step instructions, analysis questions, and preformatted software files for students.

Light and Temp Study

Solar Eclipse Light and Temperature Study

In this lab, students become junior eclipse scientists as they use Wireless Light and Temperature Sensors to track how light and temperature change during a solar eclipse.

Weather Study

Weird Weather: Solar Eclipse Weather Study

Strange things happen during a solar eclipse! This lab lets students uncover local changes in weather conditions using a Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS.

UV Light Study

Why Do We Wear Eclipse Glasses? A Study with UV Beads

In this sensor-free activity, students use UV beads to compare the effectiveness of sunglasses and eclipse glasses in blocking UV light.

Protect Your Eyes with PASCO Eclipse Glasses!

PASCO Glasses

Safety is essential when witnessing any solar eclipse.
Ensure your students are protected with our certified eclipse glasses!

Simple DIY Pinhole Projector

Looking for ways to safely view the upcoming solar eclipse? Why not build your own pinhole projector? With just a few household supplies and some simple instructions, these DIY eclipse projects provide a great way for students to engage in eclipse science. Check out the DIY guide below, and visit PASCO’s eclipse page to learn more about the upcoming eclipses!

Materials:

  • Two large white cards (cardstock, poster board, or even paper plates will do!)
  • Pushpin (or something to poke a small hole through the paper)
  • Sunshine!

 

Directions:

  1. Using the pushpin, poke a small hole in the center of one of the cards. Make sure the hole is circular.
  2. Facing away from the sun, hold the card up near your shoulder so sunlight can pass through the pinhole.
    Hold or mount the second card closer to the ground so it’s aligned with the punctured card. You should be able to see a small circle of light projected onto the second card.

This is an inverted image of the Sun! During a solar eclipse, the shape of light on the card will be crescent-shaped as the moon passes in front of the Sun.

Pinhole Projector Box

Materials:

  • Cardboard box (a shoebox or larger is a good size)
  • White piece of printer paper
  • Duct tape
  • Box cutter
  • Aluminum foil (3”x3” square)
  • Pushpin (or something to poke a small hole through the paper)
  • Sunshine!

Directions:

  1. Using the box cutters, cut out a square in the center of one of the sides of your cardboard box. If you have a rectangular box like a shoebox, cut out the square on one of the shorter sides. The square should be about 2”x2” in size.
  2. Tape the printer paper inside of the box on the opposite side from the square cutout. (You should be able to look through the cutout and see the paper.) The paper will act as the “screen.”
  3. Tape the aluminum foil completely over the square cutout.
  4. Use the pushpin to puncture a small hole in the center of the aluminum foil.
  5. Cut out a large hole in the bottom of the box. This will be the peek-hole where you look into the box to view the projection. If you have a large box, you can cut the hole large enough to fit your head through. Try to limit excess light from entering the box so the projection of light through the pinhole isn’t obstructed.

Now it’s time to test your projector! Find a sunny spot outside and hold your box up to the sun so light can enter the pinhole. When you look through the peek-hole, you should see a circle of light on the paper. This is a projection of the Sun! The longer your box is, the larger the projection will appear on the paper. During a solar eclipse, the projection will resemble a crescent as the moon passes in front of the Sun.

Why does the image through a pinhole appear inverted?

Viewing an eclipse through a pinhole projector creates an upside-down image due to a phenomenon known as the camera obscura effect. A pinhole projector works by allowing light from the Sun to pass through a small hole and project an inverted image of the Sun on a surface, such as a piece of paper, located opposite to the hole.

The camera obscura effect occurs because light travels in straight lines and the pinhole only allows a small amount of light to pass through it. As a result, the rays of light that pass through the top of the pinhole will be projected on the bottom of the screen and vice versa, causing the image to be inverted. This is the same principle that applies to the images formed by a camera lens or our eyes, which also produce inverted images on our retina before our brain processes them and flips them right-side up.

Eclipse Safety

It is never safe to look directly at the Sun. Looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse–or ever–is very dangerous, and can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. To protect your vision, specialized solar viewing glasses or indirect viewing methods should always be used to observe a solar eclipse.

If you plan to view a solar eclipse using specialized glasses, be sure to check that they’re legitimate. Solar eclipse glasses should be thoroughly inspected and meet specific safety requirements for certification.

Protect Your Eyes with PASCO Eclipse Glasses!

PASCO Glasses

Safety is essential when witnessing any solar eclipse.
Ensure your students are protected with our certified eclipse glasses!

 

Carolina Biological Products Named Best-in-Class for K to 12 Science Teaching and Learning in National STEM Awards

Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2023 Awards recognize innovative STEM products for education that go above and beyond to inspire today’s teachers, students and science classes

BURLINGTON, NC, Aug. 30, 2023 – Carolina Biological is proud to announce that its products won a number of new science education awards. Leading K-12 science supplier Carolina Biological Supply Company won four prestigious national Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2023 Awards and earned Finalist in two more categories. The awards are the only competition in which products are reviewed and judged only by STEM educators. Thirty-four awards total were given in thoughtful and important categories tailored to STEM education. The awards program, operated in partnership with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), MCH Strategic Data and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), spotlights innovative products, technologies, and services that are changing the world of STEM education.

Winners were chosen for qualities such as alignment with NGSS standards, the use of simulations, instructional support for teachers, and the flexibility of implementation for different modes of instruction across all STEM topics. Carolina Biological Supply Company was awarded for: Building Blocks of Science® 3D won “Bridging the Gap—English Language Learners: Science & Literacy,” Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ won “Best of STEM: Most Comprehensive Culturally Relevant Teaching,” and Carolina® Healthcare Simulations Kit Series: Blood Typing Kit won “CTE Training: Health Science—Training Kits” and Carolina Distance Learning® Online Gateway HyFlex won a “Trailblazer Award: Hybrid Learning Superhero.” Carolina also received Finalist status for 3-D Earth and Space Science Kits for “Best of STEM: Environmental Science” and CRISPR in a Box™ Kit for “Trailblazer: Biotechnology Innovator.”

Products were judged first by an expert panel of judges. Then, more than 267,000 STEM educators were invited to evaluate the finalists via survey. For information about the awards program, visit www.bestofstemawards.com. Carolina has won eight Educator’s Pick Best of STEM awards over the last three years, demonstrating breadth and depth of high-quality products, curricula and teacher resources in K-16 education. Awards have been earned in such subjects as elementary and middle-school science, biology, chemistry, physical science, environmental science, career technical education (CTE), and anatomy and physiology.

“Carolina employees put their hearts and minds into developing new products to support science teachers at all instructional levels,” said Jim Parrish, CEO of Carolina Biological. “It’s rewarding to have those we care so much about affirm our work and mission with Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2023 Awards.”

“Our development staff works closely with science teachers to develop products that will excite and engage their students,” said Mark Meszaros, Vice President of Carolina Biological’s Core Product Management and Innovation. “I am grateful that we were able to address these difficult to teach topics and be recognized by our peers in science education.”

“This recognition highlights Carolina’s dedication to fostering inclusive and effective learning environments that empower students in science and STEM, said Karen Stevens, Vice President of Carolina Biological’s Curriculum. “This is the second Best of STEM award for Building Blocks of Science® 3D, which reinforces Carolina’s commitment to support all students by ensuring that language barriers do not hinder students’ opportunities to excel. And we’re thrilled that Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ was recognized for Most Comprehensive Culturally Relevant Teaching. Developed with support from the Smithsonian Institution — the world’s largest cultural institution – culturally relevant teaching is crucial for engaging students from diverse backgrounds and making STEM subjects accessible to all.”

“We are thrilled and honored to receive the Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2023 Awards, ‘Trailblazer Award: Hybrid Learning Superhero’ for our groundbreaking Carolina Distance Learning product for college, Carolina Online Gateway, HyFlex,” said Shannon McGurk, Vice President of Carolina Biological’s Carolina Distance Learning. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to revolutionizing education through innovation and hybrid learning solutions. Carolina Online Gateway represents a new era of educational tools, providing educators and students with a comprehensive platform designed to elevate the college distance learning experience.”

All four of Carolina’s winning products and the two finalists are available now through Carolina. For information, visit carolina.com or call (800) 334-5551 to speak to a customer service or technical representative.

Carolina’s 2023 Best-in-Class Winners:

The first winner, setting the standard in 3D learning and 3D assessment, is the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum. It provides cohesive storylines, superior teacher support, and research-supported instructional design that is backed by proven results. Smithsonian Science for the Classroom is a high-quality core science and engineering curriculum program specifically developed to meet the NGSS. This elementary curriculum is designed to engage, inspire, and connect grades K to 5 students firsthand to the world around them through engaging and hands-on lessons.

Next, Carolina Biological’s second winner, Building Blocks of Science 3D provides hands-on unit kits for students in grades K to 5. This complete, phenomena-based program combines interactive investigations, literacy components, and digital resources to teach students science content and investigative skills in manageable 30-minute lessons. The program also integrates engineering into every grade and includes everything teachers need for their entire class for every lesson with hands-on materials, print, and digital simulations.

In addition, the third winner, Carolina® Healthcare Simulations Kit Series: Blood Typing Kit, is a Career Technical Education (CTE) series that asks students to practice clinical skills, techniques, and procedures. While performing a series of investigations, in addition to gaining an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, students learn and practice skills that can be used in a healthcare setting using safe simulated samples. Each activity includes a case study that provides students with background information about a patient who presents with relevant symptoms. The series consists of Blood Hematocrit, Blood Glucose, Blood Typing, Urinalysis, and a Vital Signs Kit. More real-world CTE kits in the series are coming soon.

The fourth winner, Carolina Distance Learning® Online Gateway HyFlex, is for college level and includes lab kits and materials that produce great results for college students, at home or on campus. A HyFlex class allows students to attend class in person, synchronously online, or asynchronously online. That flexibility gives students the opportunity to attend class who, due to circumstances, might not otherwise be able to do so. It also gives institutions the opportunity to increase enrollment and the number of courses they can offer.

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