Anchoring the phenomena to an issue
If you're familiar with current NGSS work you know the use of phenomena is a big deal. The issues in SEPUP's Issues and Science are like anchoring phenomena only with more connections. Not just an event or process that links scientific content - it is a big idea that is relevant to students' lives and is anchored in real-world events. These issues connect the why for students, "Why does this matter?"
Issue-oriented science forms the foundation of SEPUP’s curriculum materials and it is the only secondary science program to do so.
Three dimensional learning
Learning Pathways
Alignment documents, like those below and featured in the video above, have value during a curriculum review. But no matter how thorough, it is difficult to visualize the connectedness of the three-dimensions in such a format. Enter the Learning Pathway - a tool used by SEPUP during development to be sure the curriculum truly weaves the dimensions together.
The focus of student learning in these instructional materials—both instruction and assessment of learning—is on student performances that integrate all three dimensions.
Instructional Material Review
Get Started | A Reviewer's Guide
This four minute overview video is a quick guide for how to best navigate around the provided resources needed for evaluation using the EQuIP, the PEEC, or some other custom tool for NGSS alignment. It is intended for reviewers of the SEPUP curriculum, published by Lab-Aids.
Authentically moving to three-dimensional learning and teaching is a significant shift. We think we’ve put together some pretty compelling evidence to reflect the ability of SEPUP’s programs to do just that. Though only sample evidence for each unit is linked above, full evaluation copies are available for a more extensive review.
Professional Development and teacher supports
Building Sustainability
Science educators have come to trust Lab-Aids as a valuable resource for engaging and worth-while professional development - whether it's an on-site implementation training, the Summer Academy to develop internal leadership, or a day focused on new standards or best-practice strategies.
Online Portal
The online Portal for Issues and Science for is available for both Students and Teachers and includes interactive text, LABsent sheets and videos for absent students, and the ability to receive and submit homework. Access to the Teacher Edition and Teacher Resources also includes editable PowerPoints, literacy tools, visual aids, training videos, and an integrated online assessment system.
Register for a trial access to Portal using the access code you've been provided. Don't have an access code? Let us know and we'll set you up!
Questions?
We welcome the opportunity to address any questions, should they arise.