Grades 6-8
Middle School Science
Under Construction . . . (ongoing)
This website is a work in progress to improve access to resources developed when I was STEM Coordinator for SCSOS. As I prepare to go back into the classroom, I'll also be working to add to this site and improve its resources and organization. Explore what's here so far!
General Resources Google Drive folder
Lesson and Unit Materials Google Drive folder
Comparing the Integrated and Discipline-specific Models: folder of resources
General Resources Google Drive folder
Lesson and Unit Materials Google Drive folder
Comparing the Integrated and Discipline-specific Models: folder of resources
"Phenomenon-based teaching" is becoming the mantra of NGSS leaders. Phenomena are powerful for engaging students in science and engineering at any age. Learn more with this video and handout. The narratives in the grade-level chapters of the CA Framework provide helpful suggestions for phenomena.
Instructional Units Developed by Others
Note: these resources are specific to the Integrated Model for CA NGSS
Oakland Unified School District
Tustin Unified School District
California Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI), Life and Earth Science Units
Other resources:
nextgenstorylines.org Middle School Example Unit: "How Can we Hear Different Sounds from Across the Room?"
University of Connecticut Secondary Science Modules: a project of the NEAG School of Education
Project-based curriculum units: Engineering for Good (KQED) and Boeing Engineering Units (in partnership with Teaching Channel)
New Jersey "Model Curriculum" does not match the placement of PEs for the CA NGSS Integrated Model. However, their units may still be helpful if you look for topic-area rather than grade level.
Oakland Unified School District
Tustin Unified School District
California Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI), Life and Earth Science Units
Other resources:
nextgenstorylines.org Middle School Example Unit: "How Can we Hear Different Sounds from Across the Room?"
University of Connecticut Secondary Science Modules: a project of the NEAG School of Education
Project-based curriculum units: Engineering for Good (KQED) and Boeing Engineering Units (in partnership with Teaching Channel)
New Jersey "Model Curriculum" does not match the placement of PEs for the CA NGSS Integrated Model. However, their units may still be helpful if you look for topic-area rather than grade level.
Quick Links
*Note: these links will all open in a new tab
- California Curriculum Framework for NGSS
- NGSS Hub@NSTA, National Science Teachers Association
- California Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
- Nextgenscience.org, and sample bundles of PEs for MS performance expectations (view "Middle School Topics Model, Courses I, II, III")
- California Academy of Sciences, Science Notebook Resources