Activate Learning Certified Version of OpenSciEd

Name: Activate Learning Certified Version of OpenSciEd
Brand: Activate Learning

by Activate Learning

ScienceGrades 6–8

About This Curriculum

A certified version of OpenSciEd middle school science curriculum aligned to NGSS that provides investigation-centered learning through a storyline approach where students explore phenomena and conduct sequenced investigations across disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and scientific practices.

What makes it unique: EdReports 'all-green' rated curriculum with comprehensive implementation support including digital platform, print materials, science kits, and certified professional learning from Activate Learning

Activate Learning Certified Version of OpenSciEd: NGSS-Aligned Inquiry-Based Science Curriculum

This science curriculum is a certified version of OpenSciEd designed for middle school students (grades 6-8) that uses an inquiry-based, storyline approach where students explore phenomena through sequenced investigations. The curriculum integrates NGSS three-dimensional learning through investigation-centered lessons that build across disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and scientific practices.

Best for

Middle school teachers seeking NGSS-aligned, inquiry-based science curriculum with strong three-dimensional learning integration

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Ngss AlignmentStrength

The curriculum demonstrates strong alignment to NGSS standards and three-dimensional learning.

EdReports confirms the curriculum 'Meets Expectations' for Gateway 1 NGSS alignment and three-dimensional learning expectations

Hands On IntegrationStrength

The curriculum strongly emphasizes hands-on learning through its investigation-centered approach.

The curriculum description highlights 'investigation-centered learning' and 'sequenced investigations' as core features, indicating significant hands-on components

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning which may limit explicit direct instruction of concepts.

The curriculum is described as 'inquiry-based' and 'investigation-centered,' suggesting less emphasis on direct instruction approaches

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum appears to build science content knowledge systematically through its storyline approach and NGSS alignment.

EdReports confirms the curriculum meets expectations for logical sequencing and building on prior knowledge across units and grades, suggesting systematic knowledge development

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum appears to provide adequate teacher support materials.

EdReports confirms the curriculum 'Meets Expectations' for Gateway 3 usability including teacher support, though specific training details are not provided

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Specific retrieval practice and review components are not evident from the available information.

No mention of quizzes, recall exercises, or spaced review practices in the curriculum description or EdReports evaluation

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

Scientific vocabulary development is likely integrated through the three-dimensional learning approach but specific vocabulary instruction methods are unclear.

EdReports confirms NGSS alignment including disciplinary core ideas, which would include domain-specific vocabulary, but no specific vocabulary instruction details are provided

Sources: edreports.org