Middle School Science

Science Core Curriculum
The Middle School Science Core Curriculum is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and embraces the strengths of project-based learning as an effective instructional model. More information about SFUSD's NGSS Implementation in grades 6-8 can be found on the Middle School Science Core Curriculum Page.

Background on curriculum development: 
  • : Full implementation of NGSS Science Core Curriculum across the district in 6th, 7th and 8th grades.
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  • : Sixth grade science teachers are implementing NGSS Science Core Curriculum using a 5E instructional model. Curriculum development for 7th and 8th grades continues.
 
  • : Twenty sixth grade R&D teachers began focused work with to field test and revise Science Core Curriculum. Fourteen seventh and eighth grade R&D teachers began work with SCALE to develop and pilot Science Core Curriculum.​  
 
  • : R&D teachers designed Common Learning Experiences in Science (CLEs) for sixth grade. The CLEs are a component of the SFUSD Science Core Curriculum. R&D teachers field tested and piloted the CLEs and other curriculum including Learning through Performance by SCALE.
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  • ​: A team of 20 middle school science teachers (Response & Development Group) was convened. These teachers spent time examining the landscape of science learning in SFUSD and learning about the conceptual shifts in California's Next Generation Science Standards. R&D teachers developed DRAFT Scope and Sequences for Middle School, based on the  adopted by the State Board of Education. Additional science teachers and community partners gave feedback on drafts as the Scope & Sequence was developed. The working drafts are available below and will continue to be edited throughout the NGSS transition and implementation phases.

​More information about SFUSD's NGSS Implementation in grades 6-8 can be found on the MS Science Core Curriculum Page.

Middle School Science Resources

  • ​  NGSS curriculum
    • Please read the living organisms care guide for and before ordering.
  • NGSS curriculum
    • Please read the living organisms care guide for  before ordering.
  •  Science Core Curriculum 
  • SFUSD Prentice Hall Textbook Resources
  • PASCO probeware Lending Library
  • Science Safety Page
  • Middle School Newsletter Archives
  • Health education resources can be found on the SFUSD  site
  • about PD for Middle School Science 

MS Science Content Specialists

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Eric Lewis, NBCT

Eric is a National Board Certified Teacher that has been on special assignment for the past ten years...  (read more)
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Patrice Scinta

Patrice Scinta has joined the STEM Team from the Learning Design Group at UC Berkeley.  Prior to that, she taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science in New York City... (read more) 
Site-based NGSS Professional Development

As you continue your NGSS learning during the school year and begin to think about a professional development plan for , consider site-based professional development opportunities that the C&I Science Department offers for your science department. All PDs are designed to fit into school-site common planning times, including late start or early release days, while meeting the current needs of science educators. Each PD topic is listed below. to see a description of each offering and the suggested time requirement. Email to schedule PD for your department.
  • Unwrapping the NGSS
  • Intro to NGSS & the Science & Engineering Practices
  • Intro to NGSS & the Crosscutting Concepts
  • Cycle of Inquiry - NGSS Science & Engineering Practices
  • What Does NGSS Science Look Like?

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Jeffrey Dowling

Jeffrey Dowling joined the STEM team after
working in educational publishing as an editor...
(read more)
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Judy Gerber
Judy Gerber has taught science at SFUSD middle schools for 12 years, 10 of them at Martin Luther King Middle School...(see more)



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