FAQs

Science Starters are web-based multimedia programs for grades 3-11 that follow the 5-E instructional model. The 100+ 3-8 minute presentations are teacher-directed and spiral through the tested objectives to provide the review and remediation necessary for success. Science Starters are built directly from the student expectations, and the lessons include a prescribed formula of worksheets, assessments, and vocabulary to support your existing curriculum. The programs include features for all student abilities as well as intervention tools. While the following information describes recommended guidelines for program use, the Science Starters are exceptionally versatile and can be adapted to fit your existing strategies.

What data supports the program?

The Science Starters program is built on sound brain research, best instructional practice, and empirical data. Scientific Minds has collected data from 18 pilot high schools with student populations from 100 to over 3,000 and with varied demographic populations. Scientific Minds’ pilot schools saw an average overall gain of 16 points from 2007-2009. Student subpopulations saw even greater gains. More supporting data can found on the Research website page.

How does each Science Starter Lesson follow the 5 E instructional model?

What does the Science Starters program provide for students requiring modifications?

Modified worksheets and quizzes are included. The modifications include a larger font and a reduced number of questions on the worksheets. (Teachers still have the option of using worksheets with or without the independent questions.) Modifications are also available for web-based benchmark testing.

What is provided for ESL/ELL/Bilingual students?

The graphics provided in the program are critical to making the connection between vocabulary and concepts. The “ELABORATE” option specifically targets students with language gaps and barriers. Spanish terms are included to assist students with making Spanish to English connections. The elementary program includes all presentations and ancillaries entirely in Spanish.

Should Science Starters be used in Honors or Pre-AP classes?

All students will benefit from the Science Starters. We want our students to receive a “commended” rating! In some states, students who score high enough on all sections of the state exit level test will be exempt from certain college entrance tests.

How can the Science Starters be used for RTI?

Science Starters are used in the integrated general education classroom to support all students, including struggling subpopulations, English language learners, special education, gifted and talented, title 1, and at risk students. Used daily in whole-class instruction, Science Starters provide early tier 1 intervention to prevent failure and promote success. Benchmarking identifies areas of need and provides individual intervention assignments for tier 2. Science Starters can continue to be used for intensive individualized instruction in tier 3 intervention.

Purchasing Science Starters

What funding opportunities can be used to purchase Science Starters?

Title 1A, Title 1, Special Education, High School Allotment, STEM, Curriculum Funds, Title III-English Language Acquisition, At Risk, GEAR UP, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Technology, PTA.

What are the system requirements?

The program is web-based and is sold as an unlimited site license expiring one year from the date of purchase.
Requirements: Internet, internet browser, and Adobe Flash version 8 or newer. Adobe Flash is available as a free download at www.adobe.com.

What is included with the Science Starters Site License?

High School (Texas only):

120 Science Starter Presentations
12 Worksheet Packets (120 Worksheets)
12 Quizzes
12 Modified Worksheet Packets
12 Modified Quizzes
120 Explore Activities
120 Elaborate (Vocabulary) Presentations with Spanish terms
120 Journal Topics

Middle School:

120 Science Starter Presentations
12 Worksheet Packets (100 Worksheets)
12 Quizzes
12 Modified Worksheet Packets
12 Modified Quizzes
120 Journal Topics
120 Elaborate (Vocabulary) Presentations with Spanish terms

Elementary School:

130 Science Starter Presentations in English
130 Science Starter Presentations in Spanish
13 Worksheet Packets (130 Worksheets)
13 Quizzes
13 Modified Worksheet Packets (120 Worksheets)
13 Modified Quizzes
130 Explore Activities
130 Elaborate (Vocabulary) Presentations
130 Journal Topics

What are the terms of use?

The purchasing campus has unlimited use for one year from the date of purchase. If all district high schools purchase the program, any district alternative campus may use it at no additional charge.

Using Science Starters

Why is there no audio?

The Science Starters were developed as a teaching tool for whole-class instruction. Science Starters were tested with and without audio and results indicate that students respond best when the teacher directs the lesson.

How does the Science Starter Program differ for traditional schedule and block schedule?

For block schedule, 2 lessons are presented per day. Schools on traditional schedule will present 1 lesson per day. A quiz is available after each set of 10 Science Starters.

What is included in each worksheet, and what are the worksheet options?

The script of ten Science Starters is included in each worksheet packet. This allows students to participate in active note-taking as the teacher directs the lesson. Each Science Starter is followed by two independent, short answer questions. A modified version is available with larger font and reduced questions (1). If you don't want to use the packet sequence, worksheets for individual Science Starters can also be found on the website.

How are the worksheets designed to be used?

The worksheets help keep students focused on the lessons and provide them with study material. Every two weeks, for each ten lesson unit, a worksheet packet will be distributed. Teachers have reported that they receive the best results when they keep the worksheets in the classroom until time for the quiz. On the day of the final Science Starter, students may take the worksheet packet home to study for the quiz. If you don't want to use the packet sequence, worksheets for individual Science Starters can also be found on the website.

How can Science Starters be used as a curriculum for a test remediation class?

The Science Starters program is an excellent curriculum for a science test remediation class. It is recommended that the Science Starter lesson be followed with the “ELABORATE” vocabulary presentation and the “EXPLORE” activity or another activity chosen by the teacher. (EXPLORE activities are available for High School only.) To conclude the class period and reinforce understanding, the Science Starter may be presented again at the end of the period.

How do you recommend that we, as a campus, get started with the program?

Start with the Science Starter Recommended Sequence list found on the ancillaries page of the website. With the Science Starter list and the school calendar, determine the dates each Starter will be presented and each quiz administered. Schools have the best results when teachers are committed to adhering to the departmental plan as closely as possible.

Can I use a wireless remote presenter with the web-based presentations?

Yes, any wireless remote presenter can be used to advance the presentations. This feature greatly enhances the teacher’s ability to manage the class and keep students involved in the lesson. For best results, click on the link to open the selected presentation, press F-11 for a full screen appearance, and left click the mouse one time. The Flash lesson is now ready to be advanced with the wireless presenter.

What is the best resolution setting for the original Science Starter presentations?

1280 x 1024

Online Benchmark Testing

Our campus plans to take advantage of the student accounts and benchmark testing for Science Starters. How do we set up these accounts?

An appropriate school employee will be designated as the Data Manager. The Data Manager is commonly a PEIMS or technology specialist. The Data Manager has the ability to upload student and teacher data to a secure portal in the Scientific Minds system. This data, in the form of a CSV file, will automatically create student and teacher accounts. Teachers will receive email notification of account login information. Students will receive login information from their teachers. The district or campus administrator in the Scientific Minds system can create an account for the Data Manager. More information can be found under Manage Accounts – Import Data.

Purchasing MC² in Agriculture

We plan to purchase access to the Science Starters. How can we get our account activated as quickly as possible?

Fax your purchase order to 800-886-1226 and include the following information:

District Name:
Campus Name(s):
District Contact Name:
District Contact Email:
District Contact Job Title:
(A Technology Specialist, Science Specialist, Curriculum Director, or Superintendent is commonly assigned this role. Districts may have more than one district administrator in the system.)

District Data Manager Name:
(This person will upload student and teacher data for each campus in the form of a CSV file. While not recommended, data can be entered manually. A technology administrator or PEIMS specialist often has this role. If preferred, Campus Data Managers can be assigned to each campus.)
District Data Manager Email:
District Data Manager Job Title:

Campus Contact Name(s):
Campus Contact Email(s):
Campus Contact Job Title(s):
(Required for each campus, this person is commonly a Principal, Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Specialist, Campus Science Specialist, Technology Specialist, or Department Chair. If the Campus Contact is also a teacher, a separate teacher account will be required for student account and web-based benchmark testing.)

Verify receipt of your fax by calling 800-886-8145.

Call and speak to one of our representatives if you have questions about who should be assigned the above roles.

Using MC² in Agriculture

We plan to purchase access to MC² in Agriculture. How can we get our account activated as quickly as possible?

Fax your purchase order to 800-886-1226 and include the following information:

District Name:
District Contact Name:
District Contact Email:
Campus Name(s):
Teacher Name(s):
Teacher Email(s):

Verify receipt of your fax by calling 800-886-8145.

Why does the MC² video disappear when I open it and then try to move the time marker to a specific time?

Open the video, hit play, and then move the time marker. You many need to view the video in full screen in order to see the time marker strip.