OpenSciEd

Name: OpenSciEd
Brand: OpenSciEd

by OpenSciEd

ScienceGrades 6–8

About This Curriculum

OpenSciEd is a comprehensive, phenomenon-based middle school science curriculum for grades 6-8 aligned to NGSS standards. It uses a three-dimensional learning approach combining disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices through student-led inquiry and sensemaking.

What makes it unique: High-quality, freely available open educational resource (Creative Commons licensed) developed by leading research institutions; received all-green EdReports rating; designed for equitable student participation with computer science integration.

OpenSciEd: NGSS-Aligned Phenomenon-Based Middle School Science Curriculum

OpenSciEd is a comprehensive middle school science curriculum for grades 6-8 that uses phenomenon-based inquiry to engage students in three-dimensional learning. The curriculum integrates NGSS disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices through student-led investigations and sensemaking activities.

Best for

Middle school teachers seeking NGSS-aligned curriculum with strong phenomenon-based inquiry approach and comprehensive teacher support materials

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 1 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Ngss AlignmentStrength

The curriculum demonstrates strong NGSS alignment with comprehensive three-dimensional learning integration. EdReports confirms it meets expectations for NGSS alignment standards.

EdReports Gateway 1 (NGSS alignment) rated 'Meets Expectations'; curriculum explicitly designed for three-dimensional learning with disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science practices

Teacher TrainingStrength

EdReports confirms the curriculum meets expectations for teacher support and usability. This suggests adequate professional development materials are included.

EdReports Gateway 3 (Usability) rated 'Meets Expectations' for teacher support, assessment, and materials practicality

Direct InstructionConcern

The emphasis on student-led inquiry and phenomenon-based learning suggests limited direct instruction. This approach may not provide sufficient explicit teaching for initial concept learning.

Curriculum described as using 'student-led inquiry and sensemaking' with phenomenon-based approach

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum appears to build content knowledge through its phenomenon-based approach and NGSS alignment. EdReports confirms it meets expectations for coherence and builds on prior knowledge across units and grades.

EdReports rated Gateway 2 (Coherence & Scope) as 'Meets Expectations,' indicating logical sequencing and building on prior knowledge

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

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

No information about retrieval practice, quizzes, or review cycles provided in available materials

Hands On IntegrationInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum emphasizes student-led inquiry and sensemaking, suggesting hands-on activities are central to the approach. However, the balance between guided inquiry and direct instruction is unclear from available evidence.

Curriculum description emphasizes 'student-led inquiry and sensemaking' and phenomenon-based learning

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

Vocabulary development cannot be assessed from the available evidence. The NGSS alignment suggests appropriate terminology is covered but specific vocabulary instruction methods are unclear.

No specific information about vocabulary instruction methods provided in reviews

Sources: edreports.org

Review Sources

edreports

EdReports Panel

Gateway 1 Alignment:Meets Expectations

Gateway 2 Alignment:Meets Expectations

Gateway 3 Alignment:Meets Expectations

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Key Facts

GradesGrades 6–8

SubjectScience

PedagogyInquiry Based

Faith-BasedNo

FormatDigital + Physical

PricingFree to download as open educational resource (OER). Certified versions with books, lab kits, and digital platforms available through partner distributors (Activate Learning, Kendall Hunt/PocketLab, Einstein Project, PASCO, Carolina Biological, Ward's Science). Professional learning: Curriculum Launch workshops $1,000-$1,850 per participant.

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