The Wonderwise kits, which teachers in Nebraska can borrow from the University of Nebraska State Museum at a nominal charge, were adopted for national release recently by Great Plains National, which distributes materials for Reading Rainbow, 3-2-1 Contact and other educational groups. Each kit sells for $69.95; ordering information is available online at the University of Nebraska State Museum (This link builds a separate browser window for Wonderwise so you can stick with HHMI). To purchase or rent a kit call the office of Great Plains National at 1-800-228-4630.

Teachers will eventually be able to order the components individually. "The beauty of this approach is that a teacher can go to the principal and say, 'I want to buy this or that,' and the principal won't cry murder," said Great Plains' associate director Steve Lenzen, who has begun displaying the kits at science teacher conventions and other gatherings.

"It's a big jump to go national," said Judy Diamond, head of the Wonderwise team, "but we're in a good market niche. There isn't much else available about women scientists for teachers."