STEM Materials Cooperative Science Kits

The STEM Materials Cooperative provides school districts with professional development, support, and resources for using science kits. Every year, participating teachers receive a variety of Smithsonian science kits that include everything needed for a 10-15 lesson science activity based on learning goals for each grade level K-5.

Important Updates for the 2023-24 School Year

The Cooperative will see some changes starting during the 2023-24 school year (no changes will take place during the 2022-23 school year. Learn more by visiting our dedicated webpage just for updates on these changes.

Science Kit Training Opportunities

More information coming soon about training opportunities for the 2022-23 school year! Districts are encouraged to develop their own trainers who can attend a facilitator institute in June where they can develop their presentations and ask questions. Districts may also choose to contact NCESD to arrange a training. A minimum of ten teachers is required. For districts in the STEM cooperative (the professional learning cooperative, not the STEM Materials Center program) the fee is $25 per participant; all other districts will be charged $125 per participant with a minimum of 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few of our most commonly asked questions from teachers and districts. To see the full list of the NCESD STEM Materials FAQs please click here to view and/or download.

First, thank you for inventorying your kit upon its arrival. This critical step will help ensure your success when you go to teach your lessons. Please submit a help ticket at stemmaterials@ncesd.org. By using this system we can respond to your request regardless of which staff are available at the warehouse. We will respond as soon as possible and get you your materials. Please dispose of any non-functioning items so we can replace them during the next refurbishment cycle.

On the rotation calendar you will notice the days that kits are picked up and delivered. Please mark these dates on your calendar. If we have your current email, you will also receive email reminders prior to pick up and a reminder the week before with the specific day that your kit will be picked up. You will also find a note in your kit tote stating when the kit is due to be picked up. Hopefully between these three communications channels, missing pick up won’t happen. If it does it is your (or your districts responsibility to get the kit to our warehouse within one week. If this is not possible, we will arrange for pick up and charge the district the cost for the transport.

  • Make sure we have your name, grade level, and email address
  • Have your district’s science contact person, curriculum director, or other designee update us with their contact information
  • Please inventory your kit before and after its use
  • Use stemmaterials@ncesd.org as your first, best contact for anything related to the delivery, pick up, or materials in the kit.
  • For teaching questions, online access, or training questions, please contact janes@ncesd.org

Each school is assigned a code that you will enter at https://carolinascienceonline.com under “Join School.” Do not enter the code under “Redeem Code.” To get your school’s code, please submit your request to janes@ncesd.org and she will make sure you get the code for your building.

In most cases you will receive and email from NCESD that has the instructions and control number for you to order your living materials. If the kit is brand new and you are the first teacher using it, the coupon card may be found attached to the kit or inside the kit. It is important to remember to dispose of all living materials correctly. Do not release any living materials into the environment.

Questions? We’re here to help!

Cari Haug

Regional Science Coordinator
Tel: 509-667-7102

Jane Schuyleman

Program Admin. Assistant
Tel: 509-667-3631

Kathryn Metcalfe

STEM Science Warehouse Supervisor
Tel: 509-888-1912

The STEM Materials Cooperative Center is located at:

3306 5th Street SE, Suite E, East Wenatchee WA 98802