NGSS Middle School Science Program

INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF STEAM PROFESSIONALS WITH REAL-WORLD PHENOMENA

Twig Science Next Gen for Grades 6–8 is an investigation-based science solution developed for the NGSS.

Teach Middle School with Help From Real Professionals from Multiple Disciplines and Diverse Backgrounds

What better way to learn than with guidance from real-world STEAM professionals, who inspire and motivate students and help them to discover new phenomena and meet engineering design challenges. Twig Science Next Gen gives middle school students exposure to a wide range of STEAM career roles through phenomena-based investigations—both in the classroom or at home.

The Most Engaging Science Program Ever Devised

Bring the wonders of phenomena into students’ lives through multimodal investigation experiences that emulate real-world scientific, engineering, and related trade careers.

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Phenomena-Based Learning

Phenomena-based learning taps into students’ natural instincts to try to make sense of the world, and it gives them opportunities to understand problems in context, develop understanding of scientific concepts, and apply learning to design solutions.

Engagement

That’s why student engagement with phenomena is a critical component of access and equity. Students who do not have access to material in a way that makes sense and is relevant to them are unfairly disadvantaged.

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5 WAYS TO ENGAGE MIDDLE SCHOOLERS WITH PHENOMENA

1. Hands-On Labs

Throughout Twig Science Next Gen, students are given the opportunity to learn through investigations as they experience a range of STEAM roles and develop higher-order thinking skills.

In 3-D science labs, students use the theories, models, and methods that real scientists and engineers use to make sense of phenomena, solve problems, and design solutions.

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2. Digital Interactives

Today’s STEM professionals increasingly rely on digital tools and solutions to model and interpret data. In Twig Science Next Gen, students likewise access real-world phenomena and authentic data through high-quality interactives and simulations. These engage digital-native, Gen-Z students with rewards and challenges that combine gamification and pedagogy to test and reinforce learning.

3. Real-World Multimedia Field Trips

Whether they are designing ways to keep people safe in the event of volcanic eruption or building water filtration devices, Twig Science Next Gen students learn engineering by doing it—and they achieve a deeper understanding of science concepts in the process.

In real-world multimedia field trips, students shadow scientists and engineers around the world and witness STEAM roles in action through text and video as they explore local, national, global, and space phenomena.

4. Scientific Text Investigations

Interpreting and communicating information is fundamental to science, and working with a variety of authentic text sources allows students to develop their understanding of science.

In Twig Science Next Gen students experience a variety of scientific text types: informational, narrative, descriptive, and argumentative. Through the use of tools such as graphic organizers, infographics, and datasets, as well as methodologies like Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, they improve their writing and observational skills.

Screenshot of Twig Book featuring story about playing football on Mars

5. Video Labs

Today’s middle schoolers increasingly use video to communicate and express themselves—it’s a medium that speaks to them like no other. The benefits of using video in the classroom are well known, whether that’s through providing access to high-impact phenomena, identifying prior knowledge and misconceptions, or developing vocabulary through contextual cues.

Twig Science Next Gen video labs feature theater-quality, engaging content that maximizes these benefits and appeals to ways that students themselves prefer to learn.

How Will You Engage Your Students?

Digital Platform with Multimedia and Assessment Suite

The easy-to-use digital platform is available as a stand-alone environment or with print. It includes teacher and student versions, presenter tools, digital interactives, assessments, reports, single sign-on, rostering, and accessibility tools along with hundreds of award-winning videos.

Built for the Next Generation Science Standards

Twig Science is a comprehensive curriculum built for the Next Generation Science Standards that connects real-world phenomena with 3-D learning.

Straightforward and Flexible 3-D Learning Solutions

The program is designed to make delivering the standards straightforward and engaging, and it includes comprehensive resources in print and digital for flexible lesson planning, a state-of-the-art 3-D Performance Assessment suite, and an innovative, easy-to-use digital platform.

Program Components and Instructional Design

Twig Science Next Gen is based on an inquiry-driven instructional model and a 5E lesson design to engage and motivate students through active learning.

Three-Dimensional Performance Assessment

Developed in Partnership with Stanford University’s SCALE Team

The Twig Science Next Gen assessment system evaluates student attainment of 3-D Performance Expectations and prepares students for state testing.

Pre-Exploration (Diagnostic Pre- Assessement)

Identify preconceptions and misconceptions that students will address during the module.

Formative Assessment

Ongoing lesson/session assessment reveals student knowledge, reflection, and use of the three dimensions to meet learning objectives.

Summative Performance Tasks

Measure student achievement of Performance Expectations through high-engagement tasks. Student and teacher rubrics are provided to establish expectations and provide support.