| Frequently Asked
Questions
How does it correlate with state standards? Is there
enough content?
In most cases, SEPUP materials align well to state standards,
which deal primarily with state expectations for content.
Correlations to selected state and national standards are
available at here.
How will I afford it? What do I need to do (grant, budget
item, etc.)
Many states have adopted SEPUP and make state funds available for
purchase; in states where SEPUP has not been adopted, it is
often possible to write a waiver to use state funds to buy
SEPUP. Check with your local district. We have a generic SEPUP
grant form available for teacher use.
How is SEPUP different than other NSF programs?
SEPUP uses environmental issues as organizing themes, and
features embedded assessment, a material-centered approach, and
a long (often two or more years) development cycle. This is a
short, simple response to a very complex question you can
investigate for yourself by visiting comprehensive, comparative
websites such as www.enc.org.
Are all the materials included? How long will the kit
last? How many materials does the kit supply?
Most kits will support initial use by up to 160 students
(S&S, 100 students). After that, it’s a matter of replacing
consumable items. Full lists of consumables are available on our
site.
What are the replacement costs for the consumables? What
are refills like?
Lab-Aids provides bulk and line-time refill packages for all
SEPUP kits we sell. Prices for bulk replacement kits for modules
begin at $90; for full year courses at about $700. Each module
and course teacher’s guide also contains recipes for local
preparation of solutions and most consumables.
How much prep time do I need?
In general, teachers say that prep time is greatly reduced,
as virtually everything needed to teach the program comes in the
kit. Most teachers can set up for a SEPUP lab in 4-5 minutes or
less. Clean up time is reduced, and so is the amount of waste
chemicals.
How do I get more information?
You can call Lab-Aids, the national SEPUP distributor, at
800.381.8003. We can refer you to your local sales
representative. Also, you can get information 24/7 on our
website. What is the
assessment like? How do I grade students? The assessment system
was developed over a period of several years of class trials. It
features an embedded, authentic approach using scoring guides
that are easy to use for teachers and students, and provide
feedback on several student achievement variables: content,
process, evidence in decision making, communication and group
interaction. Each product teacher guide contains detailed
information about assessment and evaluation (grading).
What is SEPUP?
SEPUP is the Science Education for Public Understanding Program.
It is based at the University of California, Berkeley, and
develops science instructional materials for elementary and
secondary level classrooms with funding from the National
Science Foundation. All materials feature an evidence-based,
material-centered approach, and use environmental and societal
issues as themes. For more information, please contact
www.lawrencehallofscience.org/sepup.
How is this different from what we are using now?
You can best answer this question for yourself, after
attending a SEPUP workshop. Check out
our calendar
for workshops in your area.
How will it work with all students (inclusive)?
SEPUP programs feature an issue-oriented, material-centered
approach that helps solve questions related to access. GAT and
other special needs children can use SEPUP with success. And
many module kits and student pages are available in Spanish.
How will our kids do on the state test using SEPUP?
Current information using controlled studies is not
extensive, and we are working to obtain more data, but what data
we have (based on studies in Ohio, California, and North
Carolina) suggest that student performance on state tests is
enhanced by SEPUP use. It is not adversely affected.
How much space does it take?
Modules take up very little space and are easily moved from
room to room. Courses store in rolling carts and fit easily into
most classrooms.
Can I copy the book?
No, copying of any copyrighted material without permission
from the authors or other copyright holders is a violation of
law.
Will I become the xerox king/queen for the school?
Module student pages must be copied for student use, but
teachers can use a class set and have students journal their
responses. Course materials are available as student books, with
no copying needed. How will I maintain discipline in my classes
for the lab? How do I manage the class? Class discipline is a
complex topic. SEPUP is generally safe to use, as it contains no
glassware or open flame, and most chemicals are dispensed in
dropper bottles that resist spillage. And students are generally
less inclined to act out if they are engaged in motivating,
meaningful activities like those in SEPUP. But you should not
use SEPUP, nor any lab program, if you are not confident in your
ability to control your students.
Do the activities work in a short period?
Most SEPUP activities were written to be used with class
periods of 45 minutes. There are reports by teachers using them
successfully in periods ranging from 37 minutes to more than an
hour in length.
Can I have one student handout to write on and another
clean one to save?
Each sample kit contains one full set of teacher and student
pages. Samples of all workshop materials (teacher and student
pages, in PDF format) can be found here.
Can you "jump around" or do you need to teach it
sequentially?
We recommend you teach the program in sequence, even with
modules. They were written using a "scaffolded" approach, with
earlier content and skills that provides a foundation for later
development; in particular the assessment material is structured
this way.
What kind of teacher support is there if I get stuck or
have a question?
Telephone and email support is available at 800.381.8003
and at
customerservice@lab-aids.com. Your
message will be redirected to SEPUP consultants for a response.
Do kids like it?
Most kids respond positively to the program. Many students like
science now that their teachers use SEPUP.
How should I get started? With just a module?
This depends on whether you are looking for a replacement unit
or replacement course. Many, but not most teachers begin with a
module and then progress to a course, although the time interval
from module to course may vary from teacher to teacher. |
