Leander Independent School District has implemented an innovative middle school science program starting in the 2024-2025 school year. OpenSciEd aims to engage students in exploring scientific concepts while providing them with foundational knowledge in the field.
The program, delivered via the Activate Learning platform, has received a “green” rating from EdReports, signifying high-quality instructional materials. After thorough reviews of multiple resources, LISD Instructional Materials Adoption Committee selected OpenSciEd. It aligns with the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) updated science standards, which emphasize a three-dimensional approach to science education. The dimensions include recurring themes and concepts, scientific and engineering practices, and core scientific content.
Through the storyline approach, students will engage with specific phenomena tailored to spark their curiosity and deepen their understanding. For instance, sixth graders will investigate how containers affect temperature, while seventh graders will explore how new materials can be created, and eighth graders will analyze why objects may get damaged upon impact.
With fewer units of study but more in-depth exploration, OpenSciEd encourages collaborative learning, enabling students to discuss and reason through scientific ideas as a community, similar to real-world scientific practices. LISD encourages parents and guardians to support their children’s science learning experiences and is available for any questions regarding the new program. This letter from the district’s Science Curriculum team explains more in detail.
