Frequently Asked Questions
 
Do I have to cut out my new Stick-Up Kits and Desk Kits?
 
Yes. When we first made Speak Easies Kits we decided not to have them die-cut in order to reduce production costs. That saving is passed on to you. The kits can easily be cut out with regular scissors in about 20 minutes per kit on average. This is a good task for a student assistant!
 
What if one of the pieces gets damaged or lost?
 
Email us to have a replacement sent to you!
 
I have the older version of one of the kits and notice that in newer versions some pieces have changed or additional pieces have been included. Can I get pieces to update my kit?
 
Please email us! Usually the new pieces can be sent to you.
 
Macromolecules, Protein Synthesis and Cell Membrane Kits are available in both the large Stick-Up version and in small Desk Kit versions. Why have both?
 
Ideally, you can present the concepts to your students using the Stick-Up version, then have them work in twos or threes with the Desk Kits, assembling the pieces and enacting the processes as directed by the worksheets (included). The Desk Kits also are magnetic, so your students can use them at your large classroom markerboard, though we do have 12" x 18" Magic Wall Markerboards for sale. These come with cardboard easels to hold them upright. But the Desk Kit pieces are quite sturdy and can be assembled directly on the top of the desk or work table, and they won't blow away when the air conditioner or heater turns on!
 
When I ordered, I received a reimbursement for excessive charges. What's with the mailing charges chart?
 
We tried to standardize our charges to fit into the five zone format on PayPal, however this often results in some people in a zone paying too much and others not paying enough. If you are under-charged, Speak Easies will cover the extra amount, but if you are over-charged we will reimburse you.
 
How can my order be paid for?
 
If you order on line, we have PayPal which accepts all major credit cards. You can also call us and arrange a charge card purchase by phone (Visa and Mastercard only). And we are glad to accept purchase orders.
 
What is the turn-around time?
 
We are usually able to ship within three days of receiving your order, and you can choose priority mail or parcel post.

I've run out of ideas for new and engaging ways to use my Stick-Up Kit. Is help available?
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Email us! We love to brainstorm new activities and ways to use Speak Easies products.
 
Are all Speak Easies products magnetic?
  
No. We also have three-dimensional soft-sculpture blood cells.
The Red Blood Cell/Sickle Cell Set is useful in teaching anatomy and physiology, cell differentiation, mutations, genetics, and tropical disease. The ABO System Blood Cells Set is helpful in teaching anatomy and physiology, genetics and immunology. The cell surface antigens are modeled with colored buttons, and each cell has a label tag which could be caught with a heavy-duty magnet in order to hang the cells on your markerboard-- perhaps on the appropriate genotypes in a Punnett square constructed of electrical tape. And don't forget the Great Blood Vessel Challenge-- short lengths of three different kinds of hose. The challenge: students must decide which hose best represents which type of blood vessel and state their reasons.
 
Do you have a favorite kit?
 
Parents love all their offspring, but at the moment I am especially fond of the Levels of Organization Kit, which reveals underlying patterns and helps students see how the myriad facts you teach them actually fit together into a cohesive whole! We used to have students assemble this kit on the board on the first day of class, then we used it to give them an overview of the class for the year.
 
I thought of an especially clever way to use my kit. How can I share my idea?

Please email us! We'd love to pass your idea along! And here's one to get started with.
 
Lori Simerly, AP biology teacher in Santa Rosa, California, likes to use the Macromolecules Kit, the Enzymes Kit, and the Digestive/Respiratory System Kit side-by-side on the markerboard for a blockbuster lesson on digestion!

For more information or to order call 707-539-9236 or email us.

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