SEPUP/Lab-Aids Issues and Science

Name: SEPUP/Lab-Aids Issues and Science
Brand: SEPUP/Lab-Aids

by SEPUP/Lab-Aids

ScienceGrades 6–8

About This Curriculum

<cite index="9-2">Developed by SEPUP at the Lawrence Hall of Science, Issues and Science brings real-world science into the classroom through question-driven units that spark investigation and connect learning to students' lives.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="15-2,15-3">Issue-oriented science forms the core of SEPUP's curriculum materials. Every unit uses personal and societal issues to provide thematic continuity for student investigations and observations.</cite>

SEPUP/Lab-Aids Issues and Science: Question-Driven Inquiry Curriculum

SEPUP/Lab-Aids Issues and Science is an inquiry-based science curriculum for grades 6-8 that emphasizes real-world science connections through question-driven units. Developed by SEPUP at the Lawrence Hall of Science, this curriculum aims to engage students by connecting scientific learning to their daily lives through investigation and exploration.

Best for

Middle school teachers who prefer inquiry-based approaches and want to emphasize real-world science connections, though may need supplementation for full NGSS alignment

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 3 concerns · 3 insufficient evidence

Hands On IntegrationStrength

The curriculum emphasizes investigation and question-driven exploration as core pedagogical approaches. The real-world focus suggests hands-on activities are central to the program.

Description emphasizes 'question-driven units that spark investigation' and bringing 'real-world science into the classroom'

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum appears to prioritize inquiry processes over systematic content knowledge building. EdReports noted only partial alignment with NGSS three-dimensional learning expectations.

EdReports Gateway 1 rating of 'Partially Meets Expectations' for alignment to three-dimensional learning suggests gaps in disciplinary core ideas integration

Ngss AlignmentConcern

The curriculum shows partial alignment to NGSS standards but has notable gaps. Both alignment gateways received only partial ratings from EdReports.

EdReports gave 'Partially Meets Expectations' for both Gateway 1 (three-dimensional learning) and Gateway 2 (coherence and scope)

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum appears to emphasize inquiry and investigation over direct instruction approaches. This may limit explicit teaching of foundational concepts.

Pedagogy is described as 'inquiry_based' with emphasis on 'question-driven units' rather than explicit instruction

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

No information available about teacher training materials or professional development support provided with the curriculum.

Available reviews do not mention teacher guides, professional development, or instructional support materials

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No evidence available regarding retrieval practice or spaced review components in the curriculum structure.

Neither EdReports nor other available reviews mention assessment strategies or retrieval practice elements

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to assess how the curriculum addresses scientific vocabulary development. The inquiry-based approach may not prioritize explicit vocabulary instruction.

No specific information about vocabulary instruction methods or emphasis in available reviews

Sources: edreports.org, cathyduffyreviews.com