Science

All Science lessons have been created based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Because LAUSD is currently transitioning to an integrated model of science education, science topics are being shifted around to different grade levels over the next two years. NGSS does not stratify standards based on specific middle school grade levels. Because the transition will not be complete until 2019, we have not specified specific grade levels for the lesson plans. All lessons can be easily adapted based on grade level.

For a quick overview of each lesson, click here. To preview each lesson, click on the title of the lesson. To access the folder, which includes the lesson plan, handouts, and supplementary materials, download the link entitled "folder."

All Grades

Soil Series:
Does Dirt = Soil? Collecting Soil Samples (folder)
Measuring Your Soil Samples (folder)
Analyzing Your Soil Samples (folder)

Plant Metabolism Series:
Photosynthesis: How Plants Make Their Own Food (folder)
The Balance Between Photosynthesis and Respiration (folder)

Plant Parts and Their Functions (folder)
Flower Power: Pollination (folder)
Genetics in the Garden (folder)
How Does pH Affect Plant Growth? (folder)
The Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles (folder)
Earthquakes and Ecosystems (folder)
Oh No! Bee Colony Collapse (folder)
Why and How to Save Seeds (folder)
Why Buy, Why Eat Organic? (folder)
Do the Rot Thing (folder)
How Does Your Trash End Up in the Ocean? (folder)
Compost as a Soil Amendment and Worm Casing Fertilizer (folder)