The following is a brief sketch for implementing Shoebox Science. First, specific topics are chosen and the Shoeboxes are planned. The topics for the Shoeboxes are derived from the standards set by the National Research Council as adopted and interpreted by local school boards for each grade level. Underachievers may complete certain steps in one box, average students may use another group of steps in the same box, etc. Or separate boxes may be designed for different levels of achievers.
Teachers design and incorporate the plan best suited to their individual classroom.
The shoebox, when completed, contains everything the student will need to perform the experiment or observation whether designed for use in the classroom or for use as a take home activity. Students use written language skills when writing or drawing pictures on reaction sheets, and oral language skills when interpreting pictures or sharing the science experiment process with the teacher, a group, or the class upon returning to school. This emphasis on language and literacy acknowledges the value of integration of disciplines across the curriculum. Above is an illustration of the appropriate components of the described shoebox. An introduction to elementary school science.