The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) was established in 1985 as the National Science Resources Center (NSRC) under the sponsorship of two prestigious institutions: the Smithsonian Institution and the National Academy of Sciences. SSEC's mission is to transform and improve the learning and teaching of science for preK-8 students. To contribute to that goal, the SSEC builds awareness for P-12 science education reform among state and district leaders, conducts programs that support the professional growth of P-12 teachers and school leaders, and engages in research and curriculum development (including our comprehensive K-8, research-based science curriculum program: Science and Technology ConceptsTM (STC Elementary and Middle School)—all to help transform the teaching and learning of science in the United States and throughout the world.