How much does it cost to manage and restock the FOSS kits?
FOSS kits make it possible to provide a top-quality science program. When the kit is brand new, life is good. When the kit has been used and is no longer complete, life is not good. Incomplete kits lead to frustration for the teacher, and that leads to abandonment. If there is no plan and support for maintaining the quality of the kits, teachers will reject the kit-based active-learning science program. The fact is that kits can be kept in tip-top condition, but kits do not maintain themselves. People do. A critical part of any FOSS implementation is a plan for refurbishing the kits. There are many models for maintaining the quality of the kits. Link to this site for more information about materials management and for case studies that tell how other school districts have managed their kits. Materials Management Case Studies Here are some guiding statements to start you thinking.
