KC Science Initiative
This initiative is a systemic science education reform program initially spearheaded through a partnership with Bayer Corporation, the Kansas City Missouri School District, and the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute. The goal is to transform elementary science education from traditional textbook-based instruction to hands-on, inquiry-centered learning.
In allowing students to actively engage in science through hypothesizing, experimenting, analyzing and testing, they develop the critical thinking, problem solving and other science literacy skills that are so highly prized by today’s sophisticated workplace.
KCSI is based on a number of other National Science Resources Center (NSRC)-style reform programs around the country, including six such programs established by Bayer in partnership with other local school districts. It incorporates what NSRC defines as the five elements of successful science education reform, including:
- Quality curriculum materials
- Teacher training
- Centralized materials support
- Assessment that is aligned to standards and curriculum
- Community and administrative involvement
KCSI will operate under the auspices of the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute's 501(c)(3) non-profit status, enabling the organization to compete for grants and funding from an array of private and public sources. The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute is the coordinating body leading the Kansas City region's transformation into a center of excellence in life sciences research and development.