If you're familiar with current NGSS work you know the use of phenomena is a big deal. The issues in Issues and Science for California provide context for relevant and connected phenomena within the unit. Not just an event or process that links scientific content - it is the big idea that has meaning in students' lives and is anchored in real-world events. These issues connect the why for students, "Why does this matter?"
Look through a typical unit
Take ten minutes to watch an overview of one unit, Energy, from the 6th grade program Issues and Science for California, developed by SEPUP at the Lawrence Hall of Science. The first five minutes covers the unit's anchoring phenomenon, the unit issue, and a brief visit to each lesson, while the second half takes a deep dive into one activity. This is a great way to quickly see how these California NGSS units are structured.
Development Partnership
Part of UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science, the SEPUP is a not-for-profit group that is primarily supported by research grants. Instructional materials are based on a guided-inquiry approach and promote the use of scientific principles, processes, and evidence in public decision making.
Currently, SEPUP is leading a research and development project creating open source assessments to monitor students’ progress towards understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Spanish Resources
Preview an activity from our Spanish Student Book. We're proud of our Spanish books that not only translate the content from English, they additionally consider the students' experience in the classroom. Each Spanish page matches the length of those in English so that every reader can follow along and literally be on the same page. Graph, table, and and photograph titles, student sheets, and visual aids are also in Spanish.
To digitally view the full set of Spanish Student Books, contact your Lab-Aids representative, Betty Buehler. Printed student books in Spanish are a print to order item and will be made available to Partnerships to Uplift Communities upon request.
Congratulations. Your year is planned.
We provide teachers with all the tools needed so that they can get back to what matters: teaching. The Lab-Aids® programs contain all the needed components for an authentic inquiry classroom. From one day activities to full year curriculum, we offer a range of classroom solutions.
1. Student books 2. All Equipment 3. Online Resources 4. Organized Drawers 5. Signature Items 6. Listed Drawer Contents 7. Storage Carts
Online Portals for Teachers and Students
Unit purchase includes multi-year online access to Teacher Editions, student books, relevant student sheets and visual aids, editable PowerPoints, interactive homework and assessments, and additional web content.
With an additional online subscription, students can access and interact with the student book, student sheets, LABsent, and additional web content from school, home, or on the go.
Single sign-on (SSO) via Schoology
The Lab-Aids Portal is LTI-compliant, and we have the ability to integrate with Schoology.
We deliver a set of LTI credentials. The LTI external tool is simple to add. We also supply an access code for users to redeem in an easy, one-time step. No rostering is required. Additional information on this process can be accessed on our Schoology LTI setup page.
Alternative rostering methods are also available, if needed.
A science notebook not only models the way scientists work, but it helps to develop and reinforce students’ science learning and literacy skills.
The Lab-Aids© Science Lab Notebook is designed to support best practice note-booking strategies. It includes three-hole punched pages in a two-column design for Cornell-style notes. GraphAnywhere pages allow students to both write and easily create data-tables and graphs anywhere on the page. The unique “Lab-Log” column serves as a blank canvas for drawings, connections, and self-reflective notes. 160 pages total.
Click here to learn more about literacy and the Lab-Aids science program.
Sample Student Exemplar
Student understanding is the the tip of the iceberg.
Shown here is the start of a student response exemplar where students have been asked to design a new school property, while mitigating the human impact on the environment.
This particular assessment comes at the end of a unit where students have been immersed in this topic and uses the Communicating Concepts and Ideas variable and scoring guide.
Professional Development
Not your average PD
Our trainings are like our programs; engaging, hands-on, and personally relevant. From our popular conference workshops and getting-started days to full year implementation and district-level train-the-trainer programs we are here to support our schools - now and in the future.
It's how all PD should be.
A complete learning system
Each program component references the others to form a cohesive learning system for teachers and students.
Grade Level Courses | Designed for California
Course design
Issues and Science for California is a comprehensive middle school science curriculum. It is unique in that it is not a textbook, but rather a full system with several components that seamlessly work together. Equipment, digital and remote resources, teacher materials, and student materials are all wrapped up in this high quality science instruction.
Watch the video to see the program overview.
TESTIMONIALS
Student Quotes from the Waverly School in Pasadena
"Thank you for two amazing years of science. Every new unit was interesting, challenging and fun. I don't know what I want to do when I grow up, but I know it has to do with science!" - Ali
"Science this year has been super fun. I loved how we did an experiment almost everyday. That made it so much fun learning instead of a boring old textbook. This year I think I have learned more that my last 7 years in elementary school combined!" - Lyla
“We did many labs, and they were a fun experience for me. We also wrote procedures, conducted arguments, answered analysis, made tables, and graphs.” - Kiera
“You will learn much more than science.” - Kayla
CONTACT US
Betty Buehler is ready to address any questions, should they arise.