PASCO and Sally Ride Science "Key Concepts in Science" Named 2012 CODiE Award Finalist

ROSEVILLE, Calif., March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PASCO® scientific, the global leader in 21st century science education, today announced that its middle school science solution Key Concepts in Science, a joint development of PASCO and Sally Ride Science™, has been named a finalist for the Software and Information Industry Association's (SIIA) 2012 CODiE Awards in education technology.

The CODiE Awards in educational technology is an annual program recognizing excellence in software products supporting education. "To be named as a CODiE Awards finalist is quite an honor for both PASCO and for our partner in this program, Sally Ride Science," said Mike Bridge, VP market development and strategy for PASCO. "Nominations are vetted by a panel of educators and then by our peers in the educational technology field. Both companies are dedicated to providing best-in-class solutions for advancing science education, and we sincerely appreciate this recognition."

The CODiE finalist product, Sally Ride Science Key Concepts in Science SPARKlabs™, is a collection of 90 interactive lab activities designed to give students a hands-on exploration of the Big Ideas in Life, Earth and Physical sciences. Students ask and answer challenging questions, learning to use sensors, digital microscopes and more to collect and analyze data—then apply it to build a comprehensive understanding of the Big Idea.

The SPARKlabs are an essential element of the total Key Concepts in Science solution, an integrated, inquiry-based program for 21st century middle school science. This program provides everything needed to teach the Big Ideas using modern technology. Aligned to both state and national standards, this program stimulates students' natural curiosity while building their science literacy and critical thinking skills.

Each module includes:

• 6 original book titles: Each title explores one Big Idea, engaging students with stunning photography, colorful illustrations and compelling narrative.
• 30 SPARKlab activities: These all-in-one interactive lab activities  (5 per book title), guide students through all phases of hands-on investigations.
• Sensor technology and software to perform the SPARKlab activities.
• Teacher Resources: Teacher Guides and Teacher Lab Notes provide comprehensive planning and pacing guidance that helps you manage your time and customize your science instruction, along with tips for engaging all students.

PASCO and Sally Ride Science are both conducting free workshops and exhibiting at the National Science Teachers Association conference this week In Indianapolis.

Winners of the 2012 CODiE Awards for education technology will be announced on May 7, 2012 at the Ed Tech Industry Summit in San Francisco.

For more information, visit: www.siia.net/codies/2012

For more information on Key Concepts in Science, see pasco.com/keyconcepts.

About PASCO

PASCO scientific is the global leader in 21st century science education--designing, developing and supporting innovative teaching and learning solutions for K-12 and higher education for almost 50 years. Our team of former and current teachers, educational researchers, engineers and many more is committed to the advancement of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education around the world. Today teachers and students in more than 100 countries around the world use PASCO solutions. For more information, visit www.pasco.com.

About Sally Ride Science

Dr. Sally Ride, America's first woman in space, founded Sally Ride Science with a mission to ignite student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Since 2001, elementary and middle schools around the world have advanced STEM education using the innovative standards-based classroom materials, professional development and classroom programs that bring science to life. Visit www.SallyRideScience.com to learn more.

Contact: Kathleen Dixon, 408-871-7765, Kathleen@kdixon.com

SOURCE PASCO scientific