District staff recommend Mystery Science as elementary science resource, citing large cost savings over Open SciEd

District curriculum leaders proposed adopting Mystery Science as the district's elementary science resource and to use it while the district develops locally written curriculum components.

"We started to talk to them. They graciously gave us a free pilot access to the platform for the entire, this school year to try to buy us some time," Ally said, describing positive teacher feedback and pilot access. Staff provided cost comparisons: the Mystery Science platform access is $21,500 and materials kits for classrooms total about $52,330, while Open SciEd kit costs were estimated between $280,000 and $350,000 per year for all elementary classrooms.

Staff said the district would both adopt Mystery Science as a resource and phase elements into a locally written curriculum, with teacher and administrator input. The recommendation will come to the board for consideration and vote next week under contract or curriculum items.

What happens next: the board will consider the adoption and related procurement language at next week's meeting; staff will provide final pricing and a two-year plan for use and curriculum alignment.