Resources to Enhance Science Instruction

DRI, as a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education, is committed to Nevada's K-12 educational system and to the professional development of its educators as a means to enhance the quality of instruction our state's children receive. In keeping with this commitment, the "Science Box" program has provided professional development for Nevada teachers who represent rural and urban districts, private and public institutions, and first-year teachers as well as those with many years of service, while also directly impacting all of Nevada's K-12 teachers and students who use the boxes in their classrooms.

The science boxes that have resulted from the program consist of portable suitcases containing scientific specimens and/or multicultural artifacts for all school ages, designed to supplement the study of various topics in physical, earth, life and environmental sciences. Each box also includes background information, a description of the artifacts or specimens in the box, and sample lesson plans. Some boxes may also include additional books or audiovisual resources and/or hands-on pieces. Some lessons may require a limited number of "consumable" items, which you will need to provide for your students.

The Science Box Program is DRI's most popular and enduring K-12 program. The boxes are distributed in four cycles throughout the year. More than 500 requests are made for the 74 boxes during certain cycles.