The Keystone Science Network seeks to strengthen K-8 science teaching and learning by:

• Using network technology (the Internet) to support teachers' implementation of standards-based K-8 inquiry science kits in the classroom.
• Building and sustaining a professional learning community for K-8 science education reform in Eastern Pennsylvania by creating an integrated network of K-8 educators, standards-based science kits, and electronic resources.
• Integrating the Keystone network with existing science education reform efforts and technology initiatives that are active in the state.
• Establishing a model infrastructure for supporting teachers engaged in implementing inquiry science, which can be scaled up in Pennsylvania and nationally.

The Keystone professional development framework centers around supporting the curricula of nationally distributed standards-based science kit programs, principally Science and Technology for Children (STC), developed by the NSRC; FOSS, developed by Lawrence Hall of Science; and Insights, developed by EDC.

The program for the three annual cohorts of teacher leaders in KSN sites consists of an intensive, one-week summer institute, follow-up school-year colloquia, and ongoing use of the Keystone webspace.

Formal Keystone Science Network sites currently include:
[see map]

Capital Area Math/Science Alliance

(Currently Big Spring & Harrisburg City School Districts)

School District of Lancaster

Northeast Regional Science Alliance

(Currently Dallas, Forest City & Riverside School Districts)

Northeastern School District

Pennsbury School District

School District of Philadelphia/Fels Cluster

School District of Upper Dublin

West Chester Area School District

William Penn School District

Wissahickon School District

Abington School District (as of Spring 2000)

Led by The Franklin Institute, Keystone collaborative partners include:

• Selected project sites (includes 14 school districts) in Eastern Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania Department of Education
• PA Intermediate Units (IUs) servicing Keystone sites
• Regional science alliances operating throughout Eastern Pennsylvania
• Mid-Atlantic Eisenhower Regional Consortium Pennsylvania
• Research for Action
• Community of Agile Partners in Education (CAPE)

The project also has a cooperative relationship with: ASSET, Inc. in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the National Science Resources Center LASER Initiative, and Carolina Biological Supply Company.