Next Generation Scientists

Unit: Energy Flow and Cycles of Matter Test Unit Goal: SWBAT analyze the cycling of matter and energy flow among abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem. NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-LS1-6 Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms. MS-LS2-3 Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. Th

Unit: Relationship Between Earth, Sun, and Moon Unit Goal: SWBAT model the relationship between the Earth, the sun, and the moon. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Solar Eclipses NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-ESS1-1 (Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.) This test includes multiple choice, short answer, and long answer questions. The questions are a mix of straightforward and

Unit: Properties and States of Matter Unit Goal: SWBAT model changes in particle motion for various forms and states of matter during physical changes. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Dancing cornstarch NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-PS1-4 Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed. MS-PS3-4 Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, th

This student project document provides students with an environmental engineering design challenge- designing a water filter. Beginning with an introduction to environmental engineering and the engineering design process, students are then introduced to the design challenge. Through a series of scaffolded questions, students are led through the steps of ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve. This project takes 4-5 days if each day focuses on one step in the engineering design process. (Imagi

Quiz, Quiz, Trade is a Kagan cooperative learning structure in which students review information with other students by asking and answering questions. These cards can also be used for review. 24 question cards with answers on the back are provided in the full version of this product. This product is intended for high school physics classes, including AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C. AP Physics 1 standard: 3.A.1.1

In this assessment, students take on the role of a doctor who is explaining DNA mutations to a patient. Students identify the specific mutation, explain how mutations occur, and fundamental concepts about DNA. NGSS Connections: Developing and Using Models, Constructing Explanations (For Science) MS-LS1-5 (Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.) MS-LS3-1 (Develop and use a model to describe why structural

This performance assessment tests student understanding of constructing pedigrees and family trees. A pedigree is constructed based on a story about a family and then followed by analysis questions and the creation of a traditional family tree. NGSS Connections: Developing and Using Models, Analyzing and Interpreting Data, Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Quiz, Quiz, Trade is a Kagan cooperative learning structure in which students review information with other students by asking and answering questions. These cards can also be used for review. 24 question cards with answers on the back are provided in the full version of this product.

Unit: Characteristics and Applications of Waves Unit Goal: SWBAT analyze the behavior of mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Breaking glass using sound NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-PS4-1 Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave. MS-PS4-2 Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materi

This student project document walks students through engineering design process as they design, build, test, and evaluate a solar oven built from a box, tin foil, plastic wrap, and construction paper. NGSS Connections: MS-PS3-3 Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer.

Unit: Impact of Weather and Climate on Life Unit Goal: SWBAT create models to describe the impact of the hydrosphere and atmosphere on Earth. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: https://www.ngssphenomena.com/statue-of-lightning/ NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-ESS2-4 Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity. MS-ESS2-5 Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air ma

Unit: Characteristics and Applications of Waves Unit Goal: SWBAT analyze the behavior of mechanical and electromagnetic waves. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Breaking glass using sound NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-PS4-1 Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave. MS-PS4-2 Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materi

Unit: Categorizing Geology and Components of the Geosphere Unit Goal: SWBAT categorize rocks, minerals, and fossils based on their composition and location. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Columnar Basalt NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-ESS1-4 Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billion-year-old history. MS-ESS3-1 Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven dist

Unit: Molecular Basis of Life (DNA) Unit Goal: SWBAT use models to describe the central dogma of genetics, DNA structure, and mutations. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Bioluminescence NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-LS1-5 Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms. MS-LS3-1 Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and m

Unit: Chemical Reaction Conservation Laws Test Unit Goal: SWBAT analyze chemical reactions in relation to the laws of Conservation of Matter and Conservation of Energy. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Iodine and magnesium reaction NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-PS1-2 Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred. MS-PS1-5 Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of ato

Unit: Forms and Transfer of Energy Unit Goal: SWBAT analyze energy transfers and transformations. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Newton's Cradle NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-PS3-1 Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object. MS-PS3-2 Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are

Unit: Ecosystem Dynamics Unit Goal: SWBAT apply patterns of interactions between organisms and the biotic environment. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Fairy rings NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-LS2-1 Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem. MS-LS2-2 Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems. MS-LS2-4 Construct an argu

Unit: Earth’s Place in the Universe Unit Goal: SWBAT model the relationship between Earth and different celestial bodies, including galaxies and stars. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: https://www.ngssphenomena.com/jupiter-asteroids/ NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-ESS1-2 (Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.) This test includes multiple choice, short answer, and long answer questions. The questions are a mix of s

This outline is to be used in conjunction with ALEKS. Using the CA Common Core Curriculum for 6th grade on ALEKS, each topic is sorted into a unit (with unit goal) and then a lesson within the unit. Additional resources are provided including links to youtube lessons, project documents, and journal entry prompts. This was implemented in a blended learning classroom.

This outline is to be used in conjunction with ALEKS. Using the CA Common Core Curriculum for 7th grade on ALEKS, each topic is sorted into a unit (with unit goal) and then a lesson within the unit. Additional resources are provided including links to youtube lessons, project documents, and journal entry prompts. This was implemented in a blended learning classroom.