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ESC 20 Living Science Co-Op
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Living Science Resources
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What is the ESC 20 Living Science Co-Op?The ESC 20 Living Science Co-Op provides all BISD teachers with access to both living and non-living science-related materials for classroom use at no cost. They offer a variety of items that teachers can combine with their lesson plans to create hands-on learning experiences for their students.Living items include: plants, micro-organisms, cultured bacteria, fish, amphibians, non-venomous reptiles, invertebrates (crickets, red wigglers, mealworms, isopods, tarantulas, hissing cockroaches and crayfish), and small mammals (hamsters, rats, mice and gerbils). The full brochure can be viewed here
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How to Order
- Go to the Living Science Catalog (link here).
- Type in the number of each specimen/material you are requesting in the "Qnty" textbox on the right column.
- Click on "Update Cart" at the top or bottom of the catalog.
- Click on "View Cart" at the top or bottom of the catalog.
- In the cart, select your region (ESC 20), district and campus, and type in your emai addressl. Select "Proceed to Checkout."
- In the Order Info page, enter the information requested, including the date that items are needed. Be advised that all BISD deliveries are scheduled for Thursday mornings.
- Complete your order by selecting "Submit Order."
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Delivery and Pickup
Delivery: ESC 20 delivers materials to Boerne ISD Central Office every Thursday morning. Those materials are then delivered by the science coordinator and/or instructional materials coordinator to campuses by Friday. Your materials will be dropped off at your front office "Living Science Station." If you need an immediate delivery of your materials, please contact Victor Salinas.
Pickup: Materials will be picked up from your front office "Living Science Station" every Wednesday morning through the district pony pickup. If you have specimens that need to be picked up, please email Victor Salinas to ensure that pickup is coordinated. Please set a reminder to return specimens on the Wednesday prior to the return date.
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FAQ
Do I keep these specimens/materials?It depends. In the catalog, any specimen/material labeled as "2 Week Check Out" must be returned to ESC 20 two weeks from the delivery day (Thursday). If your specimen/material doesn't specify a 2-week check out period, then the specimen is intended to be kept by the instructor. Some specimens will require that you return the travel cages only.Is there a limit to the number of materials I can order?No, unless the limit is specified in the catalog. The description of some specimens will specifically state limitations such as "one per teacher" or "1 per every 2 students." If you are ordering for more than one teacher, you can provide those details in the comment section of your order.How do I care for these specimens?ESC 20 provides the information you may need to care for your specimens. Next to the specimen in the Living Science order catalog, you will find linked resources for the care and handling of the specimens. These resources can be downloaded and saved for your convenience. If the information you're seeking is not available, reach out to the Living Science staff with questions and/or concerns at (210) 370-5688 or livingscience@esc20.net.What if my specimen is unwell?If you believe your specimen is experiencing health issues, reach out to the Living Science Material Center at (210) 370-5688 or livingscience@esc20.net. The Living Science staff will be able to provide you with guidance on how to provide appropriate care, or to coordinate pickup of the specimen if necessary.
