Are you aware . . .?
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Nearly 900 teachers participate in teaching hands-on science provided by GWAEA? |
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Over 23,000 students throughout the GWAEA area are learning science with hands-on curriculum? |
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There are 26 school districts and 90 buildings that receive these science kits? |
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This school year more than 2500 science kits will be prepared and sent from the GWAEA VAST Center? |
Inventory sheets: Teachers should do an inventory of all unit materials upon receiving their unit and call the VAST Center to report any missing materials. Any missing items will be sent in a timely manner. At the end of using the unit, the same sheet should be used to help pack up your kit and alert you to any items that escaped from the kit box. Count and fill in the column marked "Returned" on the inventory sheet, with the exception of counting anything over 40, such as washers and paper clips. More information is given with the explanation of consumables and non-consumables.
Cable ties: The cable ties are for fastening the kit lids shut before returning the kits on the vans. The cable ties are attached to the inventory sheet or located inside your folder. Please fasten the kits securely before the transportation process so everything stays inside the box!
Name labels on the front of the kit box: Name and address labels are now held inside vinyl pockets on the outside of the kits. Note that the return date for that kit is above your name on the colored tag. When you are ready for the kit to be returned, please take the label out of the pocket and turn the label over, reinserting it inside the pocket. This alerts the van driver that it is truly intended for return to GWAEA.
Consumable vs. non-consumable items: Each unit contains both non-consumable items and consumable items. When returning your kit, you are held responsible to see that all non-consumables are returned. You will be notified if you are missing items. Please also return all of the unused consumable items. By returning any unused consumables, we are able to reuse them and keep costs down.
Kit return tips: Please clean and dry any dirty items. Students are very willing to help with this.
How do I get all this stuff back into those boxes? Sometimes it's a real challenge to repack everything and it seems like it all can't possible fit! If you can't get it all back into the box, please put the extra items in a BOX rather than a bag or alone. Label this box "VAST Center, GWAEA" and PUT YOUR NAME ON IT. Otherwise we will not be able to connect those returned items with your kit, and you will get notified these are missing items. We just ask that you pack the unit with respect for the items and any possible damage due to poor packing, such as heavy items thrown in on top of breakable items.
Shipping and Return dates: In May you receive a schedule that lists all return dates and shipping dates for the following school year. Please note the shipping dates are for the "WEEK OF" and not for an exact date. We cannot control exactly the date your kit will be delivered by van, because the vans cannot always take ALL the science kits that are ready to go.
Policy on requesting extensions: We realize there are many uncontrollable reasons your science unit does not get finished by its return date. However, most kits are scheduled for use by another teacher only one week after you are to return yours. Our policy is that you call us in the Science Center and ask if you can extend your teaching time. We will tell you if it is possible.
Call the VAST Materials Center:
(319) 399-6432
1-800-798-9771, ext.6432
E-mail: cmann@aea10.k12.ia.us or mzobeck@aea10.k12.ia.us
