Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Information
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My kit is missing an item that should be in it. What should I do?
Firstly, accept our apologies. Occasionally, these things happen. Just send an email to sciencekits@pps.k12.or.us, letting us know what you are missing. We will send it out on the pony in one or two days.
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One of my goldfish did not survive the delivery. Can they be replaced?
Live delivery of all organisms is guaranteed by our supplier. However, they require that we notify them within 24 hours. Please let us know immediately, and we will contact the supplier for a replacement.
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How should we euthanize our Live Materials when we are done with the unit?
Because some of the Live Materials come from outside the State of Oregon (except for butterfly larvae) we ask that you NOTrelease ANY other live materials into our local environment. The recommended and most humane method of euthanization is to freeze them--put the organisms in a baggy, then put in your freezer for at least one day, and then put into the trash.
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Can I order 5 sets of butterflies, so we have one for each student?
No. Unfortunately we do not have the funding to provide more than one class set for each class. Most lessons do not require each student to have their own insect.
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As long as I'm placing my insects order, can I also order for other teachers in my school?
Yes, you may. Just be sure to put his or her name in the Additional Teachers field.
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My class has 30 students...why does my Bones and Skeletons kit only provide 18 Owl Pellets?
Many of the experiments in the science kits are designed for students to be working in pairs or groups. The number of items specified on the packing should reflect the lessons in the Teacher's Guide.
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I ran out of soil half way through the unit. What should I do?
Contact sciencekits@pps.net and request consumables that you may need!
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Should I just send my kit back with caked-on dirt and clay?
Please try to send your kit back in the same condition as you received it. We do not have the facilities to wash dirty materials. Also, please be sure to empty any liquids out of containers in the kit.
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My kit is due in 3 days, but I’m not going to be finished. Can I extend it for another week?
Depending on demand for that particular kit, you may be able to extend your loan. Email sciencekits@pps.k12.or.us or call 916-3228 to find out.
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I have my own FOSS Balance and Motion kit, but no longer have a teacher’s guide. Can I borrow one?
Unfortunately we do not have the budget to purchase additional teacher's guides, and cannot loan them out without a kit. Feel free to check out an entire kit.
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I have my own Pebbles, Sand and Silt kit, but it is missing some parts, and some components are getting worn out. Can I send it in to Science kits for refurbishing?
The Science Kits Program does not update or refurbish components for kits that do not belong to us. In this case, you have several options:
- You can donate your kit to the PPS Science Kits Program, and check out one of our circulating kits. It will come complete with all the components and consumables you need
- Contact sciencekits@pps.k12.or.us and submit a consumables request for any consumables your kit requires.
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I submitted an online consumables order, but I think I forgot to fill out the name and school fields. Will you know it’s from me?
We have no way of knowing that it was from you. If you are in doubt, resubmit your order, or send a note to sciencekits@pps.k12.or.us.