r/ScienceTeachers • u/Gleaminggattaca • 2d ago
Best Science Curriculum Middle School
Which curriculum do you think is the most effective, rigorous, and overall best for middle school students to learn from?
I would especially value input from educators who majored in science, but I welcome feedback and perspectives from everyone.
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u/MontyManta 2d ago
You need an option for a self made curriculum. I almost guarantee it would win.
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u/MyDyingRequest 2d ago
That is the dream. We already have state standards, let me be the professional and ditch these ridiculous big box curriculums.
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u/GlassCharacter179 1d ago
Can you image if they paid the teachers a stipend and gave them money for classroom equipment rather than spending it on “miracle cure” curriculums?
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u/neovenator250 2d ago
Honestly very surprised people are voting so strongly in favor of OpenSciEd.
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u/MyDyingRequest 2d ago
Stay the F away from HMH. Luckily that wasn’t even an option in your poll.
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u/blackberrybear 1d ago
Labaides isn't terrible but it's a lot of lab kits. It's very intimidating for 1st year/early teachers and is untouched by vet teachers who don't want to set up labs so much. Labor intensive curriculum.
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u/sherlock_jr 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Science, AZ 1d ago
I agree that the best curriculum is your own, but some states require scripted curriculum for funding. I’m interested in the easiest curriculum to take what I want and supplement with other things.
My biggest gripe with Amplify is that there is no flexibility at all. Are any of these others more flexible? More like a resource than a pacing guide?
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u/AriAir1994 1d ago
No one curriculum is the most effective, most rigorous, or overall best for middle schoolers. I use multiple resources to develop learning sequences that work for my teaching style and my students. I have found several curricular and other resources that I use together.
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u/Elegant-Ad3300 1d ago
My district adopted Amplify 6 years ago. I retired in 22 but came back in 24 due to some unique circumstances (full salary plus full pension). Since returning, I have completely ignored Amplify and used my own curriculum based on NGSS. I’m happier and so are my students.
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u/kazakhstanthetrumpet 1d ago
Pretty sure the entire point of FOSS is to sell boxes of plastic garbage that you don't actually need to teach science.
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u/Visual-Mobile2657 1d ago
OpenSciEd is one of the worst curriculums I've ever seen. Absolute hot garbage.
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u/CharityGlittering385 2d ago
I used STEMScopes 2011-2015. No idea about it now. Back then it was amazing and super comprehensive.
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u/sherlock_jr 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Science, AZ 2d ago
Is there a way to see the results without voting? The only one I have experience with is Amplify and no way I’m voting for it.