Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

What are the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? 

These guidelines summarize what students “should” know and be able to do in different learning levels of science. The NGSS is based on research showing that students who are well-prepared for the future need to understand scientific concepts and be comfortable with putting them into practice. 

We’ve worked hard to ensure that Science Unlocked, our one-of-a-kind award-winning curriculum, uses the recommendations of the NGSS in a way beneficial to homeschoolers and small classrooms. With each Science Unlocked kit, students will: 

• Understand at a deep level about a science topic and its related concepts 
• Develop important and useful science and engineering skills 
• Grasp the connections between different parts of science and recognize repeating patterns and concepts in the real world. 

These measure up with the NGSS’s Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science & Engineering Practices, and Cross-Cutting Concepts, designed to give kids a thorough science experience. 

How does Science Unlocked work for those who do – or don’t – use the NGSS? 

Some homeschoolers use academic standards like NGSS when planning their science; others don’t rely on standards at all. And there are students who are new to homeschooling after being in private or public school (which likely used NGSS), or who are planning to attend in the future. That’s why Science Unlocked is designed to be flexible! 

You can jump into any kit that works for your student and your plans. See our Scope & Sequence links below to explore which kits are recommended for each grade level.  

If you don’t want to do all that planning but want a full year of science for your kids, we can make it extra easy for you! Just order a Science Unlocked bundle for the level your student is at and you’ll have everything you need right down to the teaching schedule and supplies! Each curriculum bundle includes 6-9 kits that have everything needed to teach science. It’s easy to get started, too. Simply pick your level based on your child’s grade! 

Science Unlocked Scope & Sequence 

Each level reflects the order of topics and grades described by the NGSS. See the complete Science Unlocked Scope and Sequence. 

Or look closer at the level that interests you: 

• Science Unlocked: Wonder (Grades K-2):  

A total of six kits covering Life Science, Physical Science & Earth Science. Wonder Year 3 coming  

• Science Unlocked: Accelerate (Grades 3-7):  

A total of 24 kits covering Life Science, Chemistry, Physical Science & Earth Science. 

• Science Unlocked: Launch (Grades 8-12) 

A total of 36 kits covering Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, and Physics.