Issue-Based Science | Developed by SEPUP | Lawrence Hall of Science
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.
Evidence of Alignment
Getting Started | A Reviewer's Guide
This three minute video gives a brief overview of each of the alignment documents created by SEPUP to support program evaluation. These resources are meant to use with the EQuIP or PEEC to measure alignment to the NGSS and should be expected from any NGSS-aligned developer.
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, we'd be happy to set you up with materials for a more extensive review.
In 2014, Lab-Aids and SEPUP used the EQuiP rubrics to evaluate our Second Edition middle school programs to see where we were already close and where we needed to improve. Turns out good science is good science and we had a pretty strong existing program that included practices and could be used for the basis of a Next Generation program. Issues and Science is the result of a significant redesign that started with this initial reflective evaluation.
Program Overview and General Layout
Literacy
SEPUP make 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.
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.
Online Portal Trial
The online Portal for Issues and Science 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.