Bethel teachers have been awaiting the Next Generation Science Standards adoption and for the past several years have been learning how to embed the science and engineering practices into their instruction.
The Stemscopes program is written by Rice University and is the only program written from the ground up addressing the NGSS standards.
Every NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea, Performance Expectation, Crosscutting Concept (i.e. Patterns; Cause and Effect; Scale, Proportion, and Quantity; Systems and System Models; Energy and Matter; Structure and Function; and Stability and Change), and Science & Engineering Practice is covered (1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 7. Engaging in argument from evidence 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information)
Each Stemscopes module (each grade level has up to 12 modules) has 2-5 hands-on activities, including project-based learning, engineering solutions, and virtual investigations which support an environment of inquiry and discourse
Innovative claim-evidence-reasoning assessments are incorporated into the program
Launching this program K-5 provides best practice for science instruction along with a vertical alignment of instruction and assessment
Stemscopes supports our Strategic Plan in providing systematic and sustained opportunities for authentic STEM experiences so that students can develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
Stemscopes is a digital resource and updates all cloud-based resources in real time
All resources and assessments are housed in one location for easy access.
Total cost of the K-5 program (digital subscriptions, print resources, and kits) is $37,325.84. Future annual costs for kit refills will be absorbed by school budgets.
The BHS Stemscopes program will be absorbed by the current BHS science budget.
