The Smithsonian Science Education Center and Carolina® Science proudly announce that Smithsonian Science for the Classroom™ curriculum has been awarded the coveted All-Green ratings from EdReports for grades 3–5. This recognition marks a significant milestone in elementary science education, confirming that the entire K-5 curriculum meets EdReports’ rigorous standards for alignment to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), usability, and instructional support.

EdReports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education through independent reviews of instructional materials, uses a comprehensive evaluation process to assess curriculum quality. All-Green ratings signify that materials meet expectations in all three review gateways: 1 – Designed for NGSS, 2 – Coherence and Scope, and 3 – Usability. These gateways ensure that programs are standards-aligned, coherent across grade levels, and practical for classroom implementation.

Grades K–2 of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom received All-Green ratings in 2024. With the addition of Grades 3–5 in 2025, the full K-5 program has All-Green ratings across every grade level. Adding grades 3-5 underscores the Smithsonian’s commitment to delivering a cohesive, research-based curriculum that supports teachers and students from the very beginning of their science journey.

Additionally, Smithsonian Science for the Classroom is the only K-5 STEM program proven to raise test scores in science, reading, and math. A five-year randomized controlled trial study conducted by the University of Memphis and published in 2024 revealed that the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum, when paired with high-quality professional learning, led to statistically significant gains in science achievement for students relative to “business as usual” counterparts. The study also found students performed better in reading and math on their state assessments than their peers who received business-as-usual instruction, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive solution that strengthens multiple core academic areas.

“Access to exceptional, high-quality instructional materials and professional learning for teachers is essential for sparking student engagement and improving achievement,” said Dr. Carol O’Donnell, The Douglas M. Lapp and Anne B. Keiser Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center. “This recognition from EdReports validates our goal to provide educators with a comprehensive science program that is standards-aligned, easy to use, and proven to raise test scores in science, reading, and math.”

Developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center and published by Carolina® Science, Smithsonian Science for the Classroom offers a phenomenon- and problem-driven, hands-on approach to STEM learning. The curriculum includes comprehensive equipment kits, print and digital resources, integrated assessments, and robust teacher support. Each module meets NGSS requirements while reinforcing literacy and math skills, ensuring that students build critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through real-world applications.

District leaders and educators seeking a high-quality, cohesive science solution can explore the full review at EdReports.org and learn more about the Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum at carolina.com/ssftc.

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"Access to exceptional, high-quality instructional materials and professional learning for teachers is essential for sparking student engagement and improving achievement." —Dr. Carol O'Donnell, Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center