Space Science Sequences for Grades 6–8

      The GEMS® Space Science Sequences have these compelling features:

• Standards Driven—The units emphasize key standards that are common to multiple states and districts, as well as national standards.<
• Flexible—A sequence can be taught horizontally across a single year, vertically across a series of years, or as a stand-alone instructional unit.
• Practical—The units were conceived using feedback from teacher surveys about how much time and focus could realistically be devoted to space science at each grade level.
• Teacher Tested—After developing and pilot testing the units, LHS made revisions and then had more than 30 teachers test the curriculum. Some teachers completed all units; some were asked to test only one as a stand-alone unit. The units were again revised based on the feedback from these trials.
• Inquiry Driven—Activities from existing highly successful GEMS® units have been combined with new activities to provide students with engaging learning opportunities that convey concepts clearly while they build inquiry skills.
• Connected to Literacy—Informational readings in the units extend content and provide a literacy element.
• Scientifically Accurate—The units were developed with expertise and input from NASA scientists, scientists from the University of California at Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory, GEMS® curriculum developers, and many teachers.
• Research Based—Activities whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in research studies are employed; all are designed to address major student misconceptions,
  based on what research indicates are the most effective ways to help students overcome those misconceptions.
• Filled with Assessment Resources—Each unit includes extensive guidance on assessment, including pre- and post-tests.