Science Dimensions
Objective
Update our curriculum to meet a changing set of standards and requirements in science education. Not doing so would mean the loss of millions in sales.Purpose
The Next Generation Science Standards introduced new requirements that all science programs needed to meet in order to be adopted by states nationwide. These emphasized hands on learning and experimentation, areas often overlooked in traditional education materials. As such we needed to dramatically remodel our curriculum.Outcome
Still used today, the rigor and delight that came with the updated Science Dimensions was wildly successful for both sales and inside the classroom.Hands-On Learning
The NGSS standards looked to empower students to learn science through self-directed exploration, analysis, application, and explanation. Our existing science products were very much in the traditional vein of education: a lot of words, not a lot of action. To respond, we were tasked with developing a product that not only implemented more hands-on elements, but mimicked that sense of exploration and discovery through its very architecture by providing choice in the educational roadmap.
Gathering Evidence, Leading Research
Throughout the experience students are encouraged to write down what they are observing, to predict what they think is happening, and to explain complex ideas in their own words.
The curriculum is frequented by thoroughly outlined labs that guide students and teachers through experiments of discovery, and when real world experimentation proves to be too volatile, we provided digital simulations so that they can still take part in the process. Every lesson is ended with multiple paths so that they can choose from a variety of research topics or even have guide rails for choosing their own.
To increase engagement, HMH partnered with Randall Munroe, creator of XKCD and the book Thing Explainer, to add humorous, overly simplified exploration of scientific topics such as our solar system, arbor systems, or rocket engineering, which was featured in the New York Times. Although the program is ten years old it is still being used in the classroom today thanks to its proven pedagogy and still fresh design.
