The Curricular Companions are divided into subsections based on how they can best support inquiry in the classroom. The intents of these subsections are explained below.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION provides supporting information directly related to the intent of the kits. Sites chosen offer the basics of the subject area including clear, scientifically correct aids to understanding content, specifics of equipment, and grade-appropriate use of technical vocabulary.

ENRICHMENT helps take the subject at hand out of the kit box and helps you expand the topic through real world connections and events. Activities chosen for inclusion exist to support kit activities, not supplant them. We look for practical, creative extension ideas beyond the standard ones that appear in text or activity books. Enrichment also features sites to provoke and inspire further thoughts and studies.

INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS offers ways to connect the science learning with endeavors in other content areas. You'll find ways to link the science with the realms of literature, language arts, computer science, math, social studies, creative arts, and more. Interdisciplinary topics vary from Companion to Companion.

THE SCIENTIST SAYS… offers sites where one can contact experts in the appropriate field with questions the other links have not answered. These links are usually to other established institutions with renown in the field (museums, universities, or government offices). This section also often features profiles of extraordinary scientists in the field and information about careers.

NEAT IMAGES is a compendium of video clips, animations, still photographs, or examples of scientific illustration which could be used to view an aspect of the science one would not normally see in the classroom.

KIDS' WEB CLASSROOM provides examples of how others approach science topics well at student levels. This section offers kid-appropriate sites that you might want to let your students explore on their own, or with your guidance. While nearly all of our KSN resources cater to you, the teacher, this is an area created with young learners in mind.

STANDARDS aligns each of the kits included in the Companions to the Science Content Standards (from the National Science Education Standards). This section also provides a link to Pennsylvania's Academic Standards for Science and Technology.

ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES provides an array of links to help you refine your existing evaluation and assessment methods, as well as to help you research new techniques.

TIPS & COMMENTS is a peer- and staff-created resource designed to make teachers' lives easier. Is there a kit included in the Companion with quirks that you feel others should know about? Do you have a great improvisation, a good place to get additional resources, or know of a helpful web resource? This is the place to submit comments, and read what others have suggested.

KIT VENDOR INFO provides quick links to the sites from which you can order kit materials directly. This page is also home to links to other vendors that offer materials that might be of interest to teachers working with kits in the Companion.

LET'S HEAR YOUR IDEAS is the place for participants to offer feedback, ideas, links, tips, or suggestions. These comments can become part of the resources or be disseminated to other participants as appropriate.

The Franklin Institute gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the National Science Foundation and Unisys Corporation.