New Reviews: Compass Learning Science Courses

Compass Learning provides supplemental, online middle school science courses that support instruction in remediation, self-paced, and supplemental programs. The Nature of Science addresses life science and the scientific method and process skills. Physical Science covers topics in chemistry and physics, including physical and chemical changes, atoms and elements, mixtures and solutions, the periodic table, states of matter, motion, gravity, the properties of waves, and light. Earth and Space Science addresses Earth’s history, atmosphere, and structure; weather and climate; the solar system, stars, and galaxies; and how the motions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth affect seasons and tides.

In each course, content is presented in lessons that provide direct instruction through video lectures, slide shows, and interactive explorations. Direct instruction videos are presented by entertaining teachers with accompanying animations of key concepts. Instruction includes multiple visual examples and opportunities for guided and independent practice. Practice problems provide “critical mistakes” feedback that demonstrates why an answer is or is not correct and individualizes remediation and re-teaching. Each activity concludes with a page of summary notes, questions that check for understanding, and a brief multiple-choice quiz. Instruction includes opportunities for students to write about science and to discuss science topics with other students using an online discussion board. Students may repeat activities if they need additional instruction.

Some lessons include “Authentic Tasks” that link to external resources such as PBS’s NOVA website and the University of Colorado Boulder’s PhET™ interactive simulations and games. PhET™ resources include statements of learning goals, guidance for teachers, and links to related resources. Teachers may use the Authentic Task tool to add their own links and course content.