Help / Frequently Asked Questions

LifeSciTRC is a searchable digital library that can be used by teachers at all levels (K-12, undergraduate, graduate and medical school) to enhance and supplement their current teaching resources. It was created for and by professional societies and individual educators as a repository of lessons, lab exercises, case histories, test questions, figures, lectures, graphics and multimedia files, educational research articles, science content articles, and links to physiology teaching resources on the web.

LifeSciTRC is open to all educators and students worldwide. Users do not have to be members of the participating societies. There is no membership or registration required to search, browse, or download materials. At the current time, there is no fee for any LifeSciTRC material; however, if materials are catalogued in the future that require a fee to access, this is clearly noted on the item description.

The BiosciEd Net (BEN) Collaborative is spearheaded by AAAS and includes more than 25 professional societies and coalitions for biology education (including the LifeSciTRC partner societies). Through the BEN portal site (www.biosciednet.org), the BEN Collaborative provides searchable and seamless access to the digital library collections of its 25+ partners to provide users with accurate and reliable biology education resources.

The National Science Digital Library (NSDL) "...was created by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide organized access to high quality resources and tools that support innovations in teaching and learning at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.... NSDL is designed primarily for K-16 educators, but anyone can access NSDL.org and search the library at no cost. Access to most resources discovered through NSDL is free; however, some content providers may require a login, or a nominal fee or subscription to retrieve their specific resources. NSDL provides an organized point of access to: 1) High-quality STEM content aggregated from a variety of other digital libraries, NSF-funded projects, and NSDL-reviewed web sites. 2) Services and tools that enhance the use of this content in a variety of contexts" (Ref: http://nsdl.org/about).

Anyone can submit material s/he has developed to LifeSciTRC. You do not need to be a member of any of the LifeSciTRC partner organizations to submit your material. The copyright for the material remains with you and you can withdraw your item at any time.

You may download and use materials hosted on LifeSciTRC for purposes such as teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research. In ALL cases, the user must acknowledge that the item was found in LifeSciTRC, be referenced appropriately, including recognition of the copyright holder. Be sure to note copyright restrictions on individual items, especially journal articles. At minimum, resources should be considered to have a Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0). The copyright holder on each resource is noted; you can contact the copyright holder for permission for non-classroom uses.

The vast majority of items included in LifeSciTRC are free. However, there may be some items that do have a cost associated with them. That will be specified on the resource information under "Cost."

Each resource submitted to LifeSciTRC undergoes review before being added to LifeSciTRC. Resources and web sites submitted by individuals undergo review by experts in the field for scientific accuracy and appropriate use of animals or humans. Articles from journals (e.g., Advances in Physiology Education) were peer-reviewed before publishing. Items developed by the participating societies are reviewed in-house and/or by project advisory boards prior to cataloguing.

Because user needs will vary, items submitted to LifeSciTRC are not reviewed based on their anticipated usefulness. However, there is a comments section attached to each item.Users are encouraged to comment about the item and its usefulness to them.

You may post a comment on any item and rate its usefulness. Comments are vetted prior to posting by LifeSciTRC staff. Authors are notified about comments posted on their items and have the opportunity to post a comment in return or contact you directly.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA, http://www.coppa.org) prohibits the collection of personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. However, anyone can search and download materials from LifeSciTRC.

Collections are an annotated group of LifeSciTRC resources intended for use in the classroom. The Collections tool allows any logged in, registered user to submit a Folder of LifeSciTRC resources as a collection (see My LifeSciTRC Help for more information on creating Folders). Note that you must personally Rate each LifeSciTRC resource in your Collection before submission. Submitting a Collection is similar to Submitting a Teaching Resource in that the Collection will be reviewed by LifeSciTRC and, if accepted, will become live in LifeSciTRC and accessible by the public. Collections are created from an existing My Saved Resources Folder by going to "Edit Folder" and using the "Submit as a Collection" tool.

There are four types of Collections that can be found in LifeSciTRC:

General Collection
A group of related resources from LifeSciTRC. These collections can only be created by LifeSciTRC Partner Societies and are intended to help LifeSciTRC Users find related items in the LifeSciTRC more efficiently.

Teacher-Recommended Collection
A group of resources from LifeSciTRC that may be utilized together to enhance teaching and learning. These collections can be created by Registered LifeSciTRC Users or LifeSciTRC Partner Societies.

Six Star Science Teacher-Recommended Collection
A Teacher-Recommended Collection that also discusses how the resources were used to address student-centered learning, equity issues, technology use, authentic assessment, and the incorporation of up-to-date content. These collections can be created by Registered LifeSciTRC Users.

Vision and Change Teacher-Recommended Collection
A Teacher-Recommended Collection that also discusses how the resources meet with the NSF/AAAS Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Report criteria. Learn more about this report at http://visionandchange.org. These collections can be created by Registered LifeSciTRC Users.

There are numerous options for searching LifeSciTRC: Keyword Search, Advanced Search, and Drill-Down Listing. Each option can be found under the "Search LifeSciTRC" section, which is located at the top left of the page beneath LifeSciTRC banner. Alternatively, the keyword search box at the top right of the page can be used to conduct searches.

A Keyword Search will make an exact case-insensitive match across all relevant data in three possible ways:

1. The exact word(s) you enter in the exact sequence entered
2. Multiple word(s) separated by "and" or commas to narrow your search
3. To search for something with "and" or a comma, enclose the whole string in double quotes

An Advanced Search allows you to specific values for all fields for the teaching resource. If you are unable to find what you want using this search method, please try the keyword search or drill-down listing.

A Drill-Down Listing allows you to view all teaching resources through discipline, learning resource type, or grade level. Please note that categories with over 1000 resources may take longer to load. 

First, double-check your search parameters. If you have too narrowly defined your search, fewer items will be found. Also, check to see which educational levels are highlighted. Some items that could match your search parameters might be found at a higher or lower educational level than the one(s) you've specified. Also, you can try the Drill Down Listing to browse the resources. If you continue to have difficulty, please contact us for assistance.

Have you been notified that your resource was accepted? If not, then it is still in the review process and has not been released to LifeSciTRC yet. You will be notified via email when it becomes "active." If your item has been accepted and you don't see it, please contact us for assistance.

Click on the red "My LifeSciTRC" button. Then select "My Submissions" from the drop-down menu. All items that you have submitted will be listed here. 

All registered LifeSciTRC Users have an LifeSciTRC Community Profile that is accessible to other registered LifeSciTRC Users. This profile is not accessible to unregistered users. You can edit your community profile by going to "Edit My Profile" under "My LifeSciTRC."

LifeSciTRC Badges are for registered LifeSciTRC Users and are earned by actively participating in LifeSciTRC. Badges are displayed on LifeSciTRC Community Profiles and next to the name of commenters within LifeSciTRC Community. Below is a list of all badges currently available to be earned and the task that must be complete to earn that badge:

Badge	Badge Name	Receive badge for...
	Registered User	Registering with LifeSciTRC
	Resource Saver	Saving a search or creating a folder
	Resource Sharer	Using one of the Share It! features
	Resource Researcher — Tier 1	Performing 1 search in LifeSciTRC
	Resource Researcher — Tier 2	Performing 25 searches in LifeSciTRC
	Resource Researcher — Tier 3	Performing 50 searches in LifeSciTRC
	Resource Rater — Tier 1	Rating 1 resource or collection
	Resource Rater — Tier 2	Rating 10
	Resource Rater — Tier 3	Rating 20 resources or collections
	Resource Rater — Tier 4	Rating 30 resources or collections
	Resource Rater — Tier 5	Rating 50 resources or collections
	Resource Commenter — Tier 1	Commenting on 1 resource or collection
	Resource Commenter — Tier 2	Commenting on 10 resources
	Resource Commenter — Tier 3	Commenting on 20 resources
	Resource Commenter — Tier 4	Commenting on 30 resources
	Resource Commenter — Tier 5	Commenting on 50 resources or more
	Resource Submitter — Tier 1	Submitting and have accepted 1 resource
	Resource Submitter — Tier 2	Submitting and have accepted 5 resources
	Resource Submitter — Tier 3	Submitting and have accepted 10 resources
	Collection Submitter — Tier 1	Submitting and have accepted 1 collection
	Collection Submitter — Tier 2	Submitting and have accepted 10 collections
	Collection Submitter — Tier 3	Submitting and have accepted 20 collections
	Reviewer — Tier 1	Reviewing 1 item for LifeSciTRC
	Reviewer — Tier 2	Reviewing 12+ items for LifeSciTRC
	Reviewer — Tier 3	Reviewing 24+ items for LifeSciTRC
	Guest Blogger	Contributing a post to LifeSciTRC blog
	Blog & Forum Participant — Tier 1	Posting 1 discussion or comment in LifeSciTRC forum or blog
	Blog & Forum Participant — Tier 2	Posting 10 discussions or comments in LifeSciTRC forum or blog
	Blog & Forum Participant — Tier 3	Posting 20 discussions or comments in LifeSciTRC forum or blog
	Blog & Forum Participant — Tier 4	Posting 30 discussions or comments in LifeSciTRC forum or blog
	Blog & Forum Participant — Tier 5	Posting 50 discussions or comments in LifeSciTRC forum or blog
	LifeSciTRC Scholar	Completing LifeSciTRC Scholar Program
	LifeSciTRC Fellow	Completing LifeSciTRC Scholar and Fellow Programs

My Profile is created when you register for LifeSciTRC. All fields with a green background will appear in your LifeSciTRC Community Profile. Your LifeSciTRC Community Profile can only be viewed by other registered LifeSciTRC Users. Fields with a red background are not viewable by other LifeSciTRC Users or non-registered users. Information within your profile may be used by LifeSciTRC Partners for reporting and/or publication purposes. However, this information will never be associated with your name or other identifying information.

The My Saved Searches tool allows any logged in registered user to save their search parameters for multiple uses. Search results are saved by using the "Save This Search" feature at the top of the Search Results page.

Instructions for Use:
Perform a search by clicking on the "Search LifeSciTRC" button at the top left of LifeSciTRC Page. Enter in a title for your search to the left of the "Save This Search" button and then click on the "Save This Search" button. To access your saved searches click on the "My LifeSciTRC" button at the top left of LifeSciTRC page and click on "My Saved Searches." Once you are in My Saved Searches you can 1) Repeat your saved search by clicking on the title of your saved search, 2) Share the results of your saved search via social media by repeating your saved search and clicking on the appropriate social media icon next to "Share this Search," or 3) Obtain the code to embed your search results on your blog or website by clicking on "Get Code" to the right of your saved search.

Questions? E-mail info@LifeSciTRC.org

The My Folders tool allows any logged in registered user to save LifeSciTRC resources to a private folder for personal use and ease of access. Additionally, any logged in registered user can choose to make their folder public and obtain the code to embed their folder contents on a blog or website. Any LifeSciTRC resource can be saved into a folder by using the "Save It!" feature near the top of any LifeSciTRC resource page.

Video on saving resources to folders: http://www.screencast.com/t/GFvvgd7iW

Instructions for Use:
To add items to your folder: Go to an individual LifeSciTRC Resource. You may do so by clicking on the title of one of LifeSciTRC resources in the Featured or ResearchBytes section on LifeSciTRC home page or by performing a search and clicking on the title of your resource of interest. Once you have clicked on the title of the resource you will be directed to the resource's page. To save this item in a folder, go to the "Save It!" option on the resource page (fifth option from the top), click on the down arrow button, click on the title of the folder that you want to save the resource in, and click the "Save" button. (If this is your first folder, select the "New Folder" title.)

To edit your folder: Click on the "Edit Folders" button next to "Save It!" or click on the "My LifeSciTRC" button at the top left of LifeSciTRC page and click on "My Folders." Once you are in My Saved Resource Folders you can 1) Add a New Folder, 2) Edit a Folder, 3) Obtain the code to embed your folder's contents on your blog or website, or 4) Create a Collection from you folder (See Collections). To remove a resource from a folder go to that resource's page and click on "Remove" next to "Save It!"

To embed your folder: To embed your folder, you must first make your folder public. To make your folder public go to "MyLifeSciTRC" at the top left of the page and click on "My Folders." Under "My Saved Resource Folders" click on the name of the folder that you wish to make public and click on "Edit Folder." On the "Edit Folder" page click on "Yes" to the right of "Allow Public?" and click on "Update Folder." To obtain the code to embed your folder click on "Get Code to Embed" next to "Allow Public?" Now that you have made your folder public, you will also have the option to obtain the code to embed that folder on the "My Saved Resource Folders" page.

Questions? E-mail info@LifeSciTRC.org

Recommended Items is a feature available to all registered LifeSciTRC Users. Recommendations are based on LifeSciTRC User ratings as well as the courses and teaching level selected in the "Recommendation Customization Information" section of "My Profile." To receive the most accurate recommendations, please complete "My Profile."

Questions? E-mail info@LifeSciTRC.org

Yes. You do not have to be a member of any of the partner organizations to submit material.

LifeSciTRC is set up to accept almost anything that could be used as a teaching resource. Formats include:

• animations
• audio or video file, including videos and podcasts
• diagram, illustration, graph/chart
• digital presentation (e.g., PowerPoint)
• photograph, image
• simulation
• teaching strategies & guidelines
• course syllabus
• lecture or lecture outline
• laboratory exercise or manual
• assignment/activity (non-laboratory)
• assessment tool (non-exam)
• exam with or without an answer key
• any other educational material

The LifeSciTRC asks all users who submit the following resource types to utilize a scientific data sharing site such as figshare:  resources greater than 5MB, executable files (.exe), animations, or simulations.  After uploading and cataloguing your files on a sharing site, submit your resource to the TRC as a link (URL).  Similarly, videos should be uploaded to YouTube, or another video site, before being submitted as a link (URL) in the TRC.  Please note that neither APS nor the LifeSciTRC has a formal contract or agreement with figshare or YouTube for LifeSciTRC file sharing.  For your convenience information on each of these sites is provided below.

Figshare provides 20GB of free storage space per registered individual (one file may be as large as 5GB), and has required metadata entry for each submission.  Figshare offers desktop uploaders for windows, mac and linux.  Step-by-step instructions for signing up and uploading files are available on the figshare website.  A complete list of available figshare how-tos, tips and information is available at https://knowledge.figshare.com/ .

YouTube is a video sharing site where individuals can house videos, create channels and participate in the community.  Help getting started, creating an account and the answers to many questions may be found in the YouTube Help Center. You can also watch YouTube help videos to learn more about posting your videos.

When you click on "Submit a Teaching Resource," you will then select an LifeSciTRC partner organization. Once you select the partner organization, the submission screens will reflect that choice. The partner organization will handle the review of your resource. Be sure to read the information for the organization describing the types of resources the organization accepts for review. 

Simply select "Submit a Teaching Resource" button on the top bar. It will walk you through a series of steps to submit your object and the relevant cataloguing information on it. Note that there are a number of questions. Allow 10-15 minutes per item.

Yes, you will retain the copyright on any original material you submit to the APS LifeSciTRC. Unless you specify additional copyright restrictions, your item will be considered to have a Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0). Please note that you must have permission if your resource includes materials for which you do not hold the copyright (e.g., graphics or images). If you do not wish to get permission or create your own figures, you can simply include a complete reference or url in place of the graphic. The user can get the graphic and insert it into your resource. LifeSciTRC IS NOT responsible for obtaining permission for you to use copyrighted materials in your resource.

Yes. You must finish "Step 1" of the submission process. When you return to LifeSciTRC, click on "My LifeSciTRC" and "My Submissions." Your incomplete submission will be listed and you can finish it at any time.

Items (such as PowerPoints, lectures, images) that you upload to the submission site are stored on the secure LifeSciTRC server. Conversely, if you have them at a web address or if the resource is a web site, they remain at your site and you provide LifeSciTRC with a URL (web address). Please provide a stable URL that will not change in the near future.

Send an email to LifeSciTRC@the-aps.org and indicate the item number. It may take a few days for the item to be removed from the database.

Send an email to LifeSciTRC@the-aps.org, indicate the item number and the new URL (address). It may take a few days for the item's address to be changed in the database.

Send an email to LifeSciTRC@the-aps.org and indicate the item number. If your resource was recently reviewed, we may be able to replace the file. If it has been more than a year since your item was peer-reviewed, the revised version may need to be submitted to the review process.

Anyone is able to access your item once it is accepted and uploaded to LifeSciTRC site. Prior to that time, no one but the reviewers and LifeSciTRC staff have access to it.

No, only a part of the cataloguing (descriptive) information on the object is uploaded to BEN. If a BEN user selects your item for viewing, he/she is redirected to the APS server where the item can then be opened.

Yes. Cataloguing (descriptive) information on the new items accepted at LifeSciTRC site is uploaded to BEN and NSDL on a quarterly basis.

Yes. You do not have to be a member of any of the partner organizations to submit material. 

Yes. When you submit your collection, you will then select an LifeSciTRC partner organization. Once you select the partner organization, the submission screens will reflect that choice. The partner organization will handle the review of your collection.

Simply select "Submit a Collection" under the "Submit to LifeSciTRC" button on the top bar. There you will find instructions for submitting your collection.

Ratings allow other LifeSciTRC community members to see how highly you recommend each item within your recommended collection.

See the section "What is a Collection?".

Yes. You must finish "Step 1" of the collection submission process and select "Save and Finish Later" at the bottom of "Step 2" of the submission process. When you return to LifeSciTRC, click on "My LifeSciTRC" and "My Folders." Your incomplete submission will be listed and you can finish it at any time.

Send an email to LifeSciTRC@the-aps.org and indicate the collection number. It may take a few days for the item to be removed from the database.

To edit a collection, you will need to contact LifeSciTRC. Send an email to LifeSciTRC@the-aps.org and indicate the collection number. In most cases, you will need to create a new collection to replace the existing collection.

No. At this time BEN and NSDL do not support collections in their digital libraries.

If this occurs before you complete Step 1 of the submission process, then you will need to start over with your submission. If it occurred after you had entered your name and contact information, then simply re-enter LifeSciTRC, click on "My LifeSciTRC" then "My Submissions" then "My Incomplete Submissions." Select the item you were submitting and complete the information.

You will receive an email from LifeSciTRC thanking you for your submission. This indicates that your item has been entered into the review database. You also can click on "My LifeSciTRC" then "My Submissions" then "My Complete Submissions." You should see the item there. If you don't, contact us  for assistance.

If you did not select "submit and finish" at the end of the process, you can go back into LifeSciTRC, and select "My LifeSciTRC" from the red bar at the top, and then" "incomplete submissions." All your cataloguing information that you submitted will still be there and you can simply upload the correct file or address of the file. If you selected "submit and finish", please contact us for assistance. 

You will receive an email notification with the reviewers' comments will be attached. Important: You may be asked to make revisions to the item before it is made available for LifeSciTRC searches. You have a limited amount of time to complete these revisions.

No, unless you have specific copyright permission from the textbook publisher to place the figures in material that will be freely available on the web. Most publishers will not give you that permission, so you might want to either consider redrawing the figures to make them original, drawing your own figures, or just refer to the figure number in the textbook with a complete reference.

You have several options. 1. You can resubmit the material and update the cataloguing information, including version number. 2. The old version can remain in LifeSciTRC as an earlier version OR you can request the old version to be removed from LifeSciTRC. 3. You can send in the new file and request the old file be replaced with the new one, but the cataloguing information remains the same.

Please contact us for assistance. 

LifeSciTRC partner societies have review boards set up that specifically review items submitted to LifeSciTRC. The board members are experts in their fields. Each partner has specific review criteria. See "Review Criteria" for more information. 

Please contact us for more information. 

APS is currently accepting external submissions.

Who are the reviewers?
Each item is assigned to a panel of reviewers who are experts in the content specific to your item. Individual reviewers remain anonymous.

What are the review criteria for APS LifeSciTRC Submissions?

K-12 Submissions
Submissions categorized for use at the K-12 level are reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Scientific Accuracy - Is the science presented accurate?
2. Experimental Focus - Does the experiment demonstrate the concept it is designed to demonstrate?
3. Precollege Level - Are the materials reasonable for the grade level(s) indicated?
4. Safety Concerns - Are there safety concerns that make this inappropriate for use at the grade levels indicated?
5. Animal Use - If used, are animals used appropriately in the activity? Are there references or information on proper care of this animal?
6. Human Use - If used, are humans used appropriately in the activity? Are the proper safety recommendations made?

Pedagogy Submissions
Teaching method submissions are reviewed based on the following criteria:

7. Pedagogy - Is there a specific inaccuracy? Are there general inaccuracies?
8. Animal Use - If used, are animals used appropriately in the activity? Are there references or information on proper care of this animal?
9. Human Use - If used, are humans used appropriately in the activity? Are the proper safety recommendations made?

Website Submissions
Websites are reviewed based on the following criteria:

10. Is this website hosted by a scientifically and/or educationally reputable organization?
11. Is there evidence that the material is scientifically accurate?
12. Is there a political agenda behind the web site, is it clearly stated?
13. Has the web site won any awards for scientific content or educational awards?

All Other Submissions
Submissions that do not fall under the above mentioned categories are reviewed based on the following criteria:

14. Scientific Accuracy - Is the science presented accurate?
15. Animal Use - If used, are animals used appropriately in the activity? Are there references or information on proper care of this animal?
16. Human Use - If used, are humans used appropriately in the activity? Are the proper safety recommendations made?

When will I know if my item is accepted into LifeSciTRC?
You will receive an email notification as to the acceptance of your item. A review sheet with the reviewers' comments will be attached. Important: You may be asked to make revisions to the item before it is made available for LifeSciTRC searches. You have a limited amount of time to complete these revisions.

What if I don't agree with the reviews?
You are welcome to write a rebuttal to the reviewers' comments. That will then be passed along to the reviewers for their further comment. However, the final decision as to scientific accuracy does rest with the reviewers.

AAA is currently not accepting external submissions.

Items cataloged by AAA have been reviewed for scientific accuracy and the appropriate use of humans and/or animals in research.

HAPS accepts submissions from HAPS members.

Who are the reviewers?
All LifeSciTRC submissions go through a peer review process involving HAPS members and outside referees.

What are the review criteria for HAPS LifeSciTRC Submissions?
Review criteria used are from the follow guidelines:

Organization

1. Were the basic sections (Abstract, Instructions, Literature Cited, etc.) adequate?
2. Did the writer use subheadings to clarify the sections of the text? Explain.
3. Was the material ordered in a way that was logical, clear, and easy to follow? Explain.
4. Was the objective or intent of the activity clearly stated?
5. Is the activity well structured or designed?
6. Has the author stayed within the length restrictions?

Grammar and Style

7. Were there any grammatical or spelling problems?
8. Was the writer's writing style clear?
9. Did the writer cite sources adequately and appropriately?

Content

10. Did the writer adequately summarize the activity in the abstract?
11. Are all the materials needed for the activity listed? Is enough detail given? Would a drawing illustrate the set-up?
12. Does the writer describe, in detail, all the procedures? What needs more explanation?
13. Does the writer describe all equations used? Are they correct and appropriate? Are any charts clearly labeled?
14. Does the paper present material effectively? Does the author outline different aspects of the problem? Are there errors in information?
15. Does the activity appropriately address the intent or objective?
16. Are there any methodological flaws or internal inconsistencies?
17. For laboratory activities, does the writer include appropriate safety precautions?

General

18. Would other A&P teachers use this activity?
19. How much time will the activity take within or outside of class time? Is it realistic?
20. How will the author assess whether or not the activity has been successful?
21. Scientific Accuracy - Is the science presented accurate?
22. Animal Use - All use of experimental animals should conform to the American Physiological Society's Guiding Principles for Research Involving Animals and Human Beings (www.the-aps.org/mm/Publications/Info-For-Authors/Animal-and-Human-Research). Are there references or information on proper care of this animal?
23. Human Subjects - All activities using humans as subjects should conform to the American Physiological Society's Guiding Principles for Research Involving Animals and Human Beings (www.the-aps.org/mm/Publications/Info-For-Authors/Animal-and-Human-Research).
24. Are the proper safety recommendations made?

MSMR is currently not accepting external submissions.

Items cataloged by MSMR have been reviewed for scientific accuracy and the appropriate use of humans and/or animals in research.

NWABR resources are designed for use at the grade 8-12 level, but have been used successfully at lower and higher levels. Resources are reviewed with the following criteria:

• Scientific Accuracy - Is the science presented accurate, or what adjustments need to be made?
• Content Focus - Does the curriculum target core ideas and understandings in the field? Do the lesson materials succeed in meeting those targets?
• Precollege Level - Are the materials reasonable for the grade level(s) indicated?
• Animal Use - If used, are animals used appropriately in the activity? Are there references or information on proper care of this animal?
• Safety and Human Use - If used, are humans used appropriately in the activity? Are the proper safety recommendations made?
• Additional Resources - What additional resources should teachers be made aware of?
• Clear communication - Does the resource meet modern standards clear scientific communication?

SDB is currently accepting external submissions.

Who are the reviewers?
Generally, reviewers have a PhD in Developmental Biology or a related discipline and are experienced educators.

What are the review criteria for SDB LifeSciTRC Submissions?

Rubric for Evaluating Learning Objects (LO):
1a. The proposed LO meets the basic criteria for scientific accuracy
1b. The proposed LO does not meet the basic criteria for scientific accuracy

2a. Narrative, preplanning, and accompanying materials and methods are clearly written
2b. Narrative, preplanning, and accompanying materials & methods need some clarification (see comments)
2c. Narrative, preplanning, and accompanying materials & methods are confusing and unacceptable as proposed

3a. Sources for scientific reasoning and for materials and methods are completely listed.
3b. Sources for scientific reasoning and for materials and methods are incomplete (see comments)
3c. Sources for scientific reasoning and for materials and methods are unacceptable as proposed

4a. The proposed LO meets the basic criteria for educational relevance
4b. The proposed LO does not meet the basic criteria for educational relevance

5a. The proposed LO meets the basic criteria for pedagogical effectiveness
5b. The proposed LO does not meet the basic criteria for pedagogical effectiveness

6a. Animals are not used
6b. Animal use and care are adequately described
6c. Committee review/approval of specific vertebrate animal use is required and described
6d. Animal use and care are not adequately described
6e. Specific vertebrate animal use review has not been reported

7a. General items such as grammar and website navigation are also adequate
7b. General items such as grammar and website navigation need minor revision (see comments)
7c. General items such as grammar and website navigation are unacceptable

8a. Metadata on grade level, pedagogy, key words, etc. are acceptable
8b. Metadata should be revised (see comments)

When will I know if my item is accepted into LifeSciTRC?
You will receive an email notification as to the acceptance of your item.

SOT is currently accepting external submissions.

Who are the reviewers?

Each item is assigned to a panel of reviewers who are SOT members, have a PhD related to toxicology, and are experienced educators.

What are the review criteria for SOT LifeSciTRC submissions?

1. Does the material contain the required submission information?
2. Are there copyright issues related to the submitted material?
3. Is the science presented accurately?
4. Does the material compliment the teaching of toxicology?
5. For labs: If used, are …
1. animals used appropriately in the activity? Are there references or information on proper care of this animal?
2. humans used appropriately in the activity?
3. the proper safety recommendations made?
6. If the resource can be aligned with the Undergraduate Toxicology Learning Framework, has the author indicated the concepts and objectives?

As part of the submission process, each author will provide SOT license and copyright clearance for publication of this material. Copyrighted material can be used with permission of the copyright holder and authors can use the Copyright Release Form. Recognition should be given to the source of any adapted material. For further information consult the Licensing FAQ, Licensing Key, or contact SOT Headquarters.

When will I know if my item is accepted into LifeSciTRC?

You will receive an email notification as to the acceptance of your item. In advance of that, an SOT collection manager will request that you complete the SOT licensing form and may have suggestions for revision before acceptance.