Easing the Digital Divide
How to Promote Equity, Rigor, and Continuity in Science Learning in an Uncertain School Year
The Digital Divide
- 1 in 5 parents overall said their children would not be able to complete schoolwork because they didn’t have access to a computer at home (21%) or did not have a reliable internet connection (22%). For lower income families specifically, the percentages increased to 36% and 40%, respectively.
- 3 in 10 parents (29%) overall said it was likely that their children would need to do their schoolwork on a cell phone. For lower income families specifically, the percentage increased to 43%.
UDL, 3-D Science, and Student Choice
- Engagement to create expert learners who are purposeful and motivated
- Representation to create expert learners who are resourceful and knowledgeable
- Action and expression to create expert learners who are strategic and goal directed
Integrating UDL Principles in Three Dimensional Science Learning

- Support hands-on investigations as part of everyday learning with materials that are provided through lab kits or are commonly found in a home
- Offer digital components that include literacy readers, interactive student investigation sheets, simulations, and assessments
- Incorporate printed text scenarios for on- and below-grade levels
- Record answers on interactive digital investigation sheets or record videos of themselves
- Write on index cards that can be added to a science notebook and referenced to demonstrate learning growth
- Engage in scientific discourse either on a digital platform, through phone conversations, or in a classroom. Even while socially distancing, students should strive to clearly present their thinking, using evidence to support their conclusions, and revising as their discussions lead to further discoveries.
- Answer open-ended questions to conclude an investigation to prompt deeper thinking, relating the core idea beyond the investigation
Finding Opportunity in the Challenges
References
About Carolina
Carolina Biological Supply Company is a leading supplier of science teaching materials. Headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, it serves customers worldwide, including teachers, professors, homeschool educators, and professionals in health- and sciencerelated fields. Carolina is the exclusive developer, publisher, and distributor of the Building Blocks of Science™ 3D curriculum.
About Building Blocks of Science 3D
*Next Generation Science Standards is a registered trademark of Achieve/WestEd. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of, and do not endorse, these products.
Learn More
Learn how a robust three-dimensional, phenomena-based science curriculum supports outdoor learning experiences at Carolina.com/curriculum.
www.carolina.com/bbs
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