SEPUP/Lab-Aids Issues and Science

​The instructional materials reviewed for SEPUP/Lab-Aids Issues and Science Grades 6-8 partially meet expectations for Alignment to NGSS, Gateways 1 and 2. In Gateway 1, the instructional materials incorporate and integrate the three dimensions and incorporate three-dimensional objectives and corresponding three-dimensional assessments for and of student learning. The materials incorporate few instances of phenomena and problems, with phenomena that always connect to grade-band appropriate DCIs, multiple instances of problems not connecting to life, physical, or earth and space DCIs, phenomena and problems presented as directly as possible, and phenomena and problems that inconsistently drive student learning and use of the three dimensions across units but not at the lesson or activity level. The materials do not elicit and leverage student prior knowledge and experience related to phenomena and problems. In Gateway 2, the instructional materials do not ensure students are aware of how the dimensions connect from unit to unit. The materials incorporate a suggested sequence for the series and a few student tasks related to explaining phenomena or solving problems that increase in sophistication. The materials incorporate scientifically accurate use of the three dimensions. The materials include all components and related elements of the DCIs for physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering, technology, and applications of science. The materials include all SEPs and include all elements for three of the eight practices. The materials include all CCCs and nearly all elements for the CCCs, except for one element from Stability and Change, as well as one missing and one partially addressed element in Scale, Proportion, and Quantity. The materials incorporate multiple instances of nature of science connections to SEPs and CCCs and engineering connections to CCCs.