What could be more vital to teachers' everyday work in the classroom than the curriculum and instructional materials they use? Instructional materials help guide both what and how teachers teach and what and how students learn. These materials play a prominent role in the lives of students and teachers, yet most educators are not aware that the selection of instructional materials can serve as energizing, engaging professional development. Every elementary school or school district in the United States reviews and selects new instructional materials in science on a regular basis.