Our History

It was 1957. The Soviets launched the world’s first satellite, called Sputnik. And just like that—the United States was trailing the space race. We attempted to catch up by launching our own satellite two months later. We failed. This was a pivotal moment, representing a major shortcoming in our nation’s scientific progress. And this is where our story—BSCS Science Learning’s story—began.

As the Cold War heated up, the US recognized the need for science education reform. A whirlwind of action followed in 1958. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created. Congress passed the National Defense Education Act (NDEA). And the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) approved a proposal to establish BSCS. Funded by a $143,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), we were tasked with developing state-of-the-art biology textbooks for students across the country.

Even in our earliest days, working within the University of Colorado Boulder, we were invested in the big picture: to transform science education. Our goal was not just to create effective biology curriculum. Our goal was to enhance biology teaching and learning. By embracing students’ inquisitive spirits and making them active participants in the scientific process, we believed students would create stronger connections between science and the world around them.

This was only the starting point for what we would contribute to science education. Today, as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Colorado Springs, we are proud of what we have accomplished over the last 60 years.

BSCS has filled classrooms around the country with research-driven biology textbooks, pioneered effective teaching approaches, developed new education leaders, and conducted studies that will continue to alter the course of our science education system. Most importantly, we have championed the cause for meaningful, inquiry-based science learning.

There is no doubt we have made a lasting impact. But our world has changed dramatically. Science and technology have advanced. Our students are more diverse. Our teachers are being asked to do more with less. And as much as BSCS has accomplished, it feels like our work is just beginning.

We celebrated the 60th anniversary of our storied organization in 2018, and are optimistic about our future. Our work remains driven by a vision of our society providing all young people with a science education that effectively prepares them for life in our complex, interdependent world.

History of Our Name

Did you know BSCS Science Learning was originally founded as Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS)? Like our organization, our name has a rich history.

From our origin as a single curriculum development project created by the National Science Foundation, we have grown into an independent nonprofit organization—recognized as a national leader in research, teacher professional learning, leadership development, and of course, instructional materials.

Our impact has expanded considerably over 60 years. And thus in 2018, we announced a new name for our organization that reflects our present and our future: BSCS Science Learning.

We put science learning at the heart of our name because science learning is at the heart of our work.

As researchers, we pursue deeper understandings of how teachers and students learn science through ongoing studies. As educators, we prepare teachers to improve their practice by enhancing their own science learning and by offering powerful curriculum materials. As capacity builders, we develop leaders to create a stronger system for science learning. And as an organization, we remain committed to transforming science education so that all students have an opportunity to learn science for their lives and careers.

Timeline

50th Anniversary Videos