Issue-Based Science | Developed by SEPUP | Lawrence Hall of Science
The issues in Issues and Science are like anchoring phenomena only with broader 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?"
Three dimensional learning
Alignment documents have value during a curriculum review, but no matter how thorough, it is difficult to visualize the connectedness of the three-dimensions in a table format. Enter the Learning Pathway - a tool used by SEPUP during development to be sure the curriculum truly weaves the dimensions together.
What does a unit look like?
In a typical school year, students are spending over 170 instructional days doing something hands-on. Labs and investigations related to problem-solving and phenomena, and woven tightly into the unit's overall issue, make up over two-thirds of the school year. This video is a great way to quickly see how our NGSS units are structured.
Issues and Science | Explore the units
Student Books & Notebooks
The 17 units in Issues and Science: Redesigned for the NGSS can be viewed in full on the Lab-Aids Portal. Contact your Curriculum Specialist for access.
Watch the quick video to see how our Student Books are different (and accelerate your review process!).
Teacher Edition and Resources
Teacher materials are available in print and online. These include both the Teacher Edition (daily lessons and unit planning) and the Teacher Resources (overall program support and long-term planning).
Program Equipment
Each unit in Issues and Science includes a full set of equipment necessary to carry out the activities and investigations.
Watch the quick overview to see the program equipment and organization.
Literacy
SEPUP makes explicit connections to ELA learning in grade-appropriate, substantive ways and provides embedded strategies to help teachers deepen students' conceptual thinking.
Assessment
Integrated into the programs the SEPUP assessment system sets up ways to collect evidence on student learning and improve performance.
Differentiation
An intentionally flexible approach to all program activity types help accomplish our goal that all students achieve scientific literacy.
Equitable access to learn
Units are student-driven; consistently fostering student questions and making sure that students feel that their questions are leading the learning experience. All units have embedded opportunities for students to demonstrate their understandings and abilities in a variety of ways, including some that don’t rely on English speaking or writing skills.
Evidence of alignment
Authentically moving to three-dimensional learning and teaching is a significant shift but it can be easier with a well-aligned program. We think we’ve put together some pretty compelling evidence to reflect the ability of our middle school program to do just that. View correlation documents and sample pages from each unit.
Recommended Middle School Programs for Colorado Springs District 11
Grade 6
Suggested: Body Systems
Suggested: Biomedical Engineering
Energy
Force and Motion
Solar System and Beyond
Grade 8
Chemistry of Materials
Chemical Reactions
Cells to Organisms
Reproduction (Genetics)
Evolution
Waves
Suggested: Fields and Interactions
GET STARTED WITH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLINE REVIEW
To view the online access to the Teacher Edition, Student Books and relevant Student Sheets, please go to https://portals.lab-aids.com/register.htm or click icon below and enter the access code provided.
Online Portal Access Code for Issues and Science: coloradospringsD11
Instructions on creating an account with this access code
Portal Supports:
View our Portal FAQ | Rostering Q & A | About ReadSpeaker
A complete learning system
Each program component references the others to form a cohesive learning system for teachers and students.
Professional Development and teacher supports
Build 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.
Professional development is a critical component of any new instructional material implementation, perhaps now more than ever. Lab-Aids® works build internal leadership and long-term sustainability of the program. This professional development additionally supports a deepened understanding of the new standards and how they strive to serve all students.
Questions?
We welcome the opportunity to address any questions, should they arise.