K-III's Weekly Reader to Launch New Science Newspaper in Schools

Posted on August 25, 1997

K-III Communications announced the launch of Science Spin as a supplement to its well-known title Weekly Reader: The Largest Newspaper For Kids In The World. Science Spin will be published seven times throughout the school year, starting in September. The four-page supplement brings timely, grade-specific news of life, earth and physical sciences with activities and hands-on experiments to the classroom. It will have an initial paid circulation of 500,000 and will be available in six versions designed for curricula from kindergarten through grades 5/6.

The Third National Mathematics and Science Study, published in June 1997 by the National Science Teachers Association, documents the drop in U.S. children's science scores from fourth grade to eighth grade. "We know that by the time students enter seventh grade, more than half say they are not interested in science. Our challenge is to teach science in a way that students can't lose interest."

"It is important to bring current scientific news to students in engaging ways in order to pique their curiosity about and interest in science." said William F. Reilly, chairman and CEO of K-III. "We strive to serve educators with products that will help them do their jobs more effectively and are pleased to have Science Spin as a part of the Weekly Reader family of publications."

Weekly Reader, with a classroom circulation over 8 million for grades K through 6, also publishes nine educational products for middle and high school students, including: Current Science, Current Events, READ, Know Your World Extra, Writing!, Current Health 1 & 2, Career World and World Newsmap of the Week.