Agenda Item
b. Technological and Instructional Improvements at Fernbank Science Center (Not to exceed $1,107,896.73) ~ Updated 6.6.2024
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Curriculum & Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the request to purchase development and installation services for interactive and engaging software and hardware, exhibit design and fabrication services, audio visual equipment, and STEM related materials and resources to create three-dimensional, immersive learning experiences that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design) compliant. Pursuant to Board Policy DJE III.D.3.g.2, BWC, Back & Rosta, Exploring Graphics, Robot Labs, and TSAV are the vendors selected by qualified, professional personnel based on sound pedagogical judgment and in the District’s best interest to make instructional and curriculum updates at Fernbank Science Center in an amount not to exceed $1,107,896.73.
Why: Research demonstrates that informal science learning experiences in the formal environment can support improving student outcomes by enhancing student interest and engagement while providing exposure to scientific content knowledge. In addition, students exposed to informal science learning environments experience increased cognitive learning via a path of excitement, interest, and motivation. Fernbank Science Center aims to support and enhance learning outcomes for students of DeKalb County School District through the implementation of the following six strands of science learning in informal environments identified by the National Research Council:
Strand 1: Experience excitement, interest, and motivation to learn about phenomena in the natural and physical world.
Strand 2: Come to generate, understand, remember, and use concepts, explanations, arguments, models, and facts related to science.
Strand 3: Manipulate, test, explore, predict, question, observe, and make sense of the natural and physical world.
Strand 4: Reflect on science as a way of knowing; on processes, concepts, and institutions of science; and on their own process of learning about phenomena.
Strand 5: Participate in scientific activities and learning practices with others, using scientific language and tools.
Strand 6: Think about themselves as science learners and develop an identity as someone who knows about, uses, and sometimes contributes to science.
By aligning its curriculum, programs, initiatives, and resources with the six strands of science learning, Fernbank Science Center supports students in their development of essential skills for scientific inquiry and discovery that are currently reflected in the K-12 Science Georgia Standards of Excellence.
Fernbank Science Center served approximately 76,046 DCSD students in grades PreK-12 during the 2023-2024 school year through the following efforts:
Fernbank Science Center Programming
Number of DCSD Students
Single Visit Programs
17,978
Outreach Programs
30,208
Planetarium Visits
27,860
Total
76,046
Details: BWC, Back & Rosta, Exploring Graphics, Robot Labs, and TSAV are the selected vendors to upgrade Fernbank Science Center. The chart below summarizes the scope of work that will be completed by each vendor in an amount not to exceed $1,107,896.73:
Vendor
Purpose
Amount
BWC: (Science on a Sphere) NOAA Sphere to Teach Earth Science Principles
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
$162,990.00
Back & Rosta: (Magic Wall) Large Scale Integrated Touchscreens to Encourage Student Exploration and Learning in Multiple Disciplines and Domains of Science and STEM. Includes the Development of Personalized Curriculum to Real-World Challenges Aligned to Academically Rigorous Standards and Experiential Learning
Interactive Instructional Panels
Instructional Technology/Educational Content Development Services
Instructional Software and Hardware
$249,990.00
Exploring Graphics: Design and Installation of Enhanced Exhibits to Encourage Student Development in Science and STEM Concepts
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
Instructional Technology/Educational Content Development Services
$245,000.00
Robot Labs: (AI Innovation Lab) Complete Lab Package Inclusive of STEM Curriculum to Integrate AI and AI Concepts Across Content Areas and Development of Student Soft Skills
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
Instructional Software and Hardware
$118,968.34
Robot Labs: (NAO Robots) Humanoid and Supporting STEM Curriculum for Integrated Instruction)
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
Instructional Software and Hardware
$64,320.00
Robot Labs: (Pepper the Robot) AI and Integrated STEM Curriculum Including Literacy
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
Instructional Software and Hardware
$33,600.00
TSAV: Video Walls to Engage Students in Advanced and Rigorous Science/STEM Experiences to Develop Experiential Learning
Instructional Software and Hardware
$233,028.39
Interactive Instructional Panels: These panels can provide hands-on learning experiences for students, allowing them to interact with scientific concepts in a tangible way. They promote engagement, curiosity, and inquiry by allowing students to explore and experiment.
Instructional Software and Hardware: Instructional software and hardware can offer immersive experiences that stimulate curiosity and enhance interest in various scientific disciplines and STEM. Students can explore science and STEM in a visually captivating manner, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement.
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content: Science and STEM exhibits provide opportunities for students to engage with real-world phenomena and principles. These exhibits can spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and encourage inquiry-based learning as students explore and investigate various scientific concepts.
Instructional Panels/Instructional Technology: These panels provide visual learning experiences for students by allowing them to interact with scientific concepts in a tangible way.
Instructional Technology/Educational Content Development Services: These services support the creation of engaging and relevant educational content tailored to the needs of students and teachers. By providing access to high-quality and rigorous instructional materials and professional development opportunities, these resources and technology updates will help enhance teacher and student knowledge in science education while providing access to tangible and visible resources to support continuous learning.
Financial impact: The total contract amount will not exceed $1,107,896.73.
The ESSER budget charge codes are as follows:
BWC
$ 162,990.00
448.1000.561600.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
Back & Rosta
$ 249,990.00
448.1000.561600.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
Exploring Graphics
$ 245,000.00
448.4000.530000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.4000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
Robot Lab
$ 216,888.34
448.1000.561600.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.2213.530000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
TSAV
$ 233,028.39
448.1000.561600.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561100.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.530000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Mrs. Janetta Greenwood, Director, Fernbank Science Center, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.874.7119
Effective: June 11, 2024 - September 30, 2024
Status: Reviewed and Approved by Counsel for Legal Sufficiency
BWC Visual Technology
John Marciniak
8325 Old Marlboro Pike Ste. A9
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
QUOTATION
Phone 301-420-8440 Fax 301-420-0325
TO: SHIP TO:
Janetta Greenwood TBD
janetta_greenwood@dekalbschoolsga.org
Hannah Maharaj
hannah_maharaj@dekalbschoolsga.org
Quote DATE REQUISITIONER SHIPPED VIA F.O.B. POINT TERMS
5/13/2024 Jesse Marciniak
QTY UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL
Science On a Sphere (SOS) System
with options
1 Each SOS Site Survey 1-2 days onsite. Free $0.00 $0.00
Includes the following:
1. Visit SOS location site and review space requirements.
2. Provide technical specifications for the hardware required to provide a
complete SOS system. Provide detailed installation and technical requirements.
3. Work with customer staff to ensure that the facility requirements are met.
4. Hotel cost, Per diem expense, transportation cost and airfare.
1 Each 1 - SOS Explorer full version software with over 125 standard datasets and real $0.00 $0.00
time data.
1 - Setup and install support.
1 - Harddrive with loaded software
($2,500.00 Value)
1 Each Labor and Services $0.00 $0.00
1. Installing the SOS proprietary software and license.
2. Installing the over 500 dataset that are provided with the system.
3. Installing and setting up the over 30 real time datasets.
4. Installing the over 30 movies that are designed for the SOS system.
5. Includes 3 years of tech support from our on-staff SOS software and content
expert via phone call or remote login.
6. Onsite comprehensive system training.
7. Assist your onsite local installer to help provide you with the appropriate
hardware layout to our required specifications.
8. Provide technical specification assistance for the hardware requirements.
9. Onsite technical installation support.
10. Set up the included touch screen kiosk software if required.
11. Includes all travel expense (hotel, airfare and travel cost)
12. Calibrate and align projectors.
13. Invite to the SOS users conference. (every 18 months)
14. Testing the complete system.
15. Help setup audio system.
(Includes 2-days travel, 3-4 days onsite for installation and training)
1
1 Each *Science On a Sphere System Include these standard items: $90,000.00 $90,000.00
1. SOS proprietary software and license.
2. Software Upgrades to the SOS system software.
3. New content as it becomes available.
4. iPad SOS remote App.
5. Playlist editor.
6. Dataset editor.
7. Projector on/off icon.
8. Specialized tools and laser levels required for installing the SOS system.
9. Kiosk software
2
1 Each *SOS Hardware and equipment. $18,882.00 $18,882.00
Includes the following:
2-Dell Precision Tower 5820 Workstation computers with video cards
1-Wibu dongle
5-Std Video extenders (4 plus 1 backup)
1-8-Port Gigabit network switch
1-WiFi router
1-KVM switch
1-9U Mini rack. Contains KVM, audio, extenders and Wi-Fi router
1-Audio system (1-amp, 1-mixer, 1-wirerless mic and speakers)
1-LCD monitor
1-UPS power supply
1-iPad Mini with case
4-Basic projector mounts
5 Each Projectors Panasonic PT-FRZ50 (4 plus 1 backup) $3,487.00 $17,435.00
1 Each 68" Diameter Sphere with crate $10,428.00 $10,428.00 $10,428.00
Options:
96" Diameter Sphere with crate $16,800.00
60" Diameter Sphere with crate $9,428.00
48" Diameter Sphere with crate $8,428.00
68" Diameter Sphere with crate $10,428.00
1 Each Science On a Sphere 22" Touch Screen Kiosk with floor stand (OPTIONAL $4,900.00 $4,900.00
$4,900.00)
1 Each 12' Diameter sphere railing. (Optional) $12,995.00 $12,995.00 $12,995.00
10', 11' and 13' diameter also available)
1 Each Alignment Pro: Remote Alignment Management $11,500.00 Optional $1,000.00 $1,000.00
Discounted $10,500.00
Includes hardware and software and once monthly BWC remote
alignment for 12 months. $200.00 per month after one year.
5 Each Upgraded video extenders with switches. Provides push button video switch $470.00 $2,350.00
over from primary to backup computer. (4 plus 1 backup)
1 Each Custom 22U computer rack. Contains all of the SOS computer and equipment. $0.00 $0.00
(Optional $6,500)
1 Each Crate for computer rack. (Optional $1,200) $0.00 $0.00
1 Each Freight $5,000.00 $5,000.00
*Above cost does not include any physical work that would be done in the SOS
area. For example, any hardware that needs to be mounted to the ceiling or
walls, cables runs or electrical outlets should be completed by the facility prior
to the install week.
SUBTOTAL $162,990.00
Fernbank Science Center SALES TAX
OTHER
TOTAL $162,990.00
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