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

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

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.

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: 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: 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

Unit: Inheritance Unit Goal: SWBAT make predictions about allele inheritance patterns. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Inheritance patterns NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-LS3-2 Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation. MS-LS4-5 Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of

Students identify rocks as sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic based on location and appearance. Unit: Categorizing Geology and Components of the Geosphere Unit Goal: SWBAT categorize rocks, minerals, and fossils based on their composition and location. Rubric included.

Unit: Cell Structure and Function Unit Goal: SWBAT categorize cells based on their organelles, structures, and functions. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Cork cells NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-LS1-1 Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells. MS-LS1-2 Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of the cells contribute to its function. This test includes multiple choice, matching, labeling, and short a

Unit: Unity and Diversity of Life Unit Goal: SWBAT use physical and behavioral characteristics to classify organisms into several taxa. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Diversity of living organisms NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-LS4-1 (Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life of Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.) Thi

Given information about various organisms, students create a field guide identifying the domain and kingdom of each organism along with a drawing. NGSS Connections: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Unit: Human Structure and Processes Unit Goal: SWBAT to model the inner workings of the circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems. NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-LS1-3 Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composted of groups of cells. MS-LS1-7 Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism

Unit: Solar System Formation and Composition Unit Goal: SWBAT relate the composition of the solar system to its formation and the role of gravity. 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, concept map, and short answer questions. The questions are a mix of straightforward and challenging questions. The file is a Microsoft Word document

Unit: Earth’s Physical Surface and Geological Features Unit Goal: SWBAT apply earth surface movement to explain the formation of geological features. Unit Puzzling Phenomenon: Columnar Basalt NGSS Performance Expectations Addressed: MS-ESS2-2 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spacial scales. MS-ESS2-3 Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor str