The short answer is a resounding YES.
We've been updating the Kesler Science resources all spring and into this summer to help you through these uncertain times. Our goal is to provide you with resources whether you are on campus, 100% virtual, or some hybrid model that includes both.
What has already been done to support distance-learning?
The following resources have been upgraded to include versions of the product that can be used by students independently.
- Science Reading Comprehension - These 40 original science articles can be used to increase reading comprehension and science literacy. The leveled science reading passages cover a variety of different science-themed topics and are designed to engage your middle school science students with an article, questions, and a mini-project. The articles can be sent to your students individually and they can answer. The files are PDFs. The resource includes a Google Forms answer sheet, but students can also answer by annotating the PDF with a plug-in like Kami.
- Sub Plans - Each of the 30 science lessons takes students through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, extension activities, and an assessment and are perfect for distance learning situations. Students begin the lesson with a warm-up graphic organizer or puzzle. They then read a passage and complete an engaging activity over the topic. For early finishers, there are extension activities (one for more than ten minutes and one for less than ten minutes). Extensive instructions and support for substitutes are included in the in-class versions. The files are PPTs and PDFs. The resource includes a Google Forms answer sheet, but students can also answer by annotating a single-student PDF with a plug-in like Kami, or can submit their answers however you choose.
- Station Labs 1.0 - These comprehensive science labs will save you a TON of prep time and allow students to learn the concepts on their own. Each lab has 8 differentiated stations for the students to guide their learning. The files are PDFs. The resource includes a Google Forms answer key for those classes that use Google Classroom. There is also an answer sheet PDF that can be annotated with a plug-in like Kami.
- Escape Rooms - This is a set of immersive experiences for your students. It allows them to demonstrate their knowledge of many different science topics in a fun and engaging way. There are printable puzzles for in-class use, or students manipulate puzzles in a PowerPoint file for digital use. The files are PPTs. There is a Google Forms "digital lock" for in-class or distance use, or your students can submit their puzzle solutions however you choose.
What products other resources will have distance-learning components?
The following resources are being upgraded right now and will be available over the next few weeks. We're working hard to get all of the resources upgraded as close to the beginning of the school year as possible. You can follow the progress using the Distance-Learning Upgrade Tracker. This will be updated daily.
- 5E Lessons - The 5E PowerPoint for notes will be set up so each student can open it and answer questions in it (no Google Form required), by themselves or as you present it to the class. The INB templates will have a digital version and are embedded throughout the 5E lesson so that students can manipulate it without cutting or pasting. The file type is a PPT but has been tested for clean uploading into Google Slides.
Learn more about the upgraded 5E lessons by watching the video below.
- Digital Interactive Notebooks - All of the interactive notebook templates will now have a digital version for students to manipulate. They will be integrated into the 5E lessons but also available as a digital interactive notebook. The file type is a PPT but has been tested for clean uploading into Google Slides.
- Station Labs 2.0 - The Station Labs were updated to single student digital versions this spring, and we're working on them this summer to eliminate the need for Google Forms answer sheets. Instead, students will answer in text boxes, manipulate shapes, and insert images. You can use the digital versions or paper versions in class or in a virtual setting. The new versions will include a new Challenge It! station for advanced students and integrate vocabulary into the Read It! and Assess It! stations. The file type is a PPT but has been tested for clean uploading into Google Slides.
Can I use Kesler Science Resources with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoolology, or Canvas?
Yes. The file types are standard types like PPTs, Word docs, and PDFs, so they can be distributed easily to your students. The PPTs and Word docs are also editable, which provides the flexibility to use them that best meets the needs of your students.
We know that school is going to look very different this year. We stand with you to support your students with high-quality and engaging resources and will get through this together!
All of these resources are available in the Kesler Science Membership.
