Issue based
What does it mean to be issue based? Socio-science issues in our middle and high school programs provide context for relevant and connected phenomena. Not just an event or process that links scientific content - the issue 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?
What will students be doing?
Students using our programs quickly come to expect that they will be purposefully active during science. Science and Engineering Practices are a regular part of their week and are the main vehicle for content as students collect data, engage in relevant dialog, and track their understanding as it develops.
Three Dimensional Learning
Connecting the three dimensions
Correlation documents, like those below, 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 their middle school development of Issues and Science: Designed for the NGSS to be sure the curriculum truly weaves the dimensions together.
Equitable access to learn
Both middle and high school 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.
Middle School Courses | Vermont
Look through a typical unit
Take ten minutes to watch an overview of one unit, Energy, from Issues and Science developed by SEPUP. 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 SEPUP's NGSS units are structured.
All-Green, All-Gateways
EdReports found Issues and Science to fully meet expectations, earning all-green for standards alignment and usability in Gateways 1-3.
High School Courses | Vermont
Science and Global Issues: Biology
Sustainability
Ecology
Cell Biology
Genetics
Evolution
Science and Sustainability
Living on Earth
Feeding the World
Using Earth's Resources
Moving the World
Material World: A Global Family Portrait by Peter Menzel
A Natural Approach To Chemistry
Part 1: Fundamentals
Part 2: Core Concepts
Part 3: Applications
Lab-Master System
EDC: Earth Science
Hydrosphere: Water in Earth's Systems
Atmosphere and Climate
Earth's Place in the Universe
Plate Tectonics
The Rock Cycle
Earth Resources
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND TEACHER SUPPORTS
Professional Learning
Professional learning is a critical component of any new instructional material implementation, perhaps now more than ever. Lab-Aids works with our schools to 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. Click here for more information on our professional learning opportunities.
Summer Academy
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
All programs allow teachers online access to the Teacher Edition, student books, relevant student sheets and visual aids, editable PowerPoints, assessment tools, and additional web content. This can be customized for each district's needs.
