The Regional Science Resource Center
K-12 Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
About Us
The Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research, in collaboration with teachers and administrators from schools in Massachusetts and Foundation scientists, established the Regional Science Resource Center in November, 1994. In July, 1997 the Worcester Foundation merged with the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS). The Regional Science Resource Center then became part of UMMS' educational outreach efforts. The Resource Center helps teachers to implement more inquiry-based, student-centered science in all classrooms by providing ongoing technical support, access to materials and equipment, space for scientific investigations, and professional development opportunities. All of our initiatives focus on supporting the implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in Science and Technology/Engineering and making inquiry-based science education a reality in classrooms. More recently, we have expanded our efforts to also include support for K-12 standards-based mathematics and technology education.
The Regional Science Resource Center (RSRC) currently serves 133 districts across the Commonwealth. While 38% of the districts served are in Central Massachusetts, another 34% of districts served are within the 495 Beltway. The remaining 28% of districts are scattered North, South and West of that geographic area.
Of the five categories of services: Professional Networks (AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, Curriculum Coordinators, and STEM Pipeline), Professional Development, Math and Science Curriculum Library, Student Laboratory and Science To Go, 35% of the districts make use of at least three of the five services. Only 21% of the districts make use of only one service and those districts are the furthest distance from the Center.
The most popular offering at the RSRC, Professional Networks, includes 68% of the districts involved with the Center’s work. Professional Development opportunities include 54% of the participating districts. Library use includes 51% of the districts while Science To Go reaches 17% and the use of the Laboratory includes 13% of the districts.