Science

Smithsonian Science for the Classroom is designed to be a comprehensive core science program for grades K–5. Smithsonian Science for the Classroom organized the NGSS Performance Expectations (PEs) into four “bundles” that correspond to four modules per grade. If all four modules are used within the year, then students should be prepared to meet all the NGSS PEs at that grade level. Within a grade level, the modules may be used in any sequence.

The modules are organized into four topical “strands”: life science, earth and space science, physical science, and engineering design. There is one module in each strand per grade level. While the strands serve as organizing themes, the modules themselves are interdisciplinary and always include PEs from at least one topic besides the designated strand.

Crucially, all modules in the engineering design strand also include science PEs—many of which are only covered within the engineering modules. The intent of the NGSS is for students to learn science and engineering in an integrated way that reflects the real-world practices of scientists and engineers. Our program honors this intent by never treating engineering design in isolation from the scientific knowledge it is based on.

The module titles are all phrased as questions to motivate students and tie together the concepts within the module’s PE bundle. The questions for the life science, earth and space science, and physical science modules invite students to construct scientific explanations for natural phenomena, while the questions for the engineering design modules invite students to design solutions to practical problems. All modules have a culminating challenge—a science challenge or design challenge, depending on the strand—that serves as a performance assessment.

OpenSciEd is a comprehensive middle school science curriculum that empowers students to ask questions, design investigations, and solutions, and figure out the interesting and puzzling world. OpenSciEd empowers students to be the knowers and doers of science and develops a classroom in which the ideas we hear from our peers help to move our thinking forward as we develop our abilities to think, read, write and argue as scientists and engineers.

• Phenomenon Based - Centered around exploring phenomena or solving problems
• Driven by Student Questions - Storyline based on students’ questions and ideas
• Grounded in Evidence - Incremental building and revision of ideas based on evidence
• Collaborative - WE, the class and the teacher, figure out ideas together
• Equitable - Builds a classroom culture that values ideas and learning of all

Instructional Model
The OpenSciEd Instructional model uses a storyline approach in which students are
presented with puzzling phenomena that elicit a variety of questions that motivate the learning in the unit. In OpenSciEd units, phenomena are carefully selected to anchor a storyline and inspire the development of target disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices. These anchoring phenomena draw students into the storyline by presenting the natural challenge of explaining something or solving a problem.

Other phenomena may be introduced at key points in a storyline to maintain interest or push students to delve more deeply. To help teachers and students advance through a unit storyline, the instructional model takes advantage of five routines—activities that play specific roles in advancing the storyline with
supports to help students achieve the objectives of those activities. The routines typically follow a pattern as students kick off a unit of study, surface and investigate different questions they have, put the pieces together from those investigations, and then problematize the next set of questions to investigate.

Design & Modeling

Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.

Automation & Robotics

Students are given the opportunity to combine mechanisms with input and output devices to automate the mechanisms. Construction and programming skills are layered, and projects and the problem provide students the opportunity to connect their learning throughout the lessons in the unit. Students take on the role of interns, and work in teams to identify design requirements and create prototypes to meet the needs of clients. They also explore different aspects of automation and robotics, and experience how solving real-life problems involves the teamwork of mechanical engineers, software developers, and electrical engineers.

At Nantucket Public Schools, we recognize that a strong foundation in mathematics is essential for academic success and real-world problem-solving. Math teaches students how to think logically, analyze patterns, and approach challenges with confidence and precision.

From early numeracy to advanced reasoning, our curriculum is designed to help students build deep conceptual understanding, fluency with numbers, and the ability to apply math in meaningful ways. These skills are critical not only for future studies in science, technology, and engineering, but also for making informed decisions in everyday life.

By fostering perseverance, critical thinking, and a growth mindset, our math program prepares students to become capable, confident learners ready to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

2025-2026 NHS Program of Study

Principles of Biomedical Science

From design and data analysis to outbreaks, clinical empathy, health promotion, and more, students explore the vast range of careers in biomedical sciences. They develop not just technical skills, but also in-demand, transportable skills that they need to thrive in life and career.

Human Body Systems

Students experience real-world scenarios and cases to see medicine in action – as they diagnose and provide treatment and rehabilitation to patients at an outpatient center, keep clients safe and healthy on adventure medicine trips in remote locations, and work in a research center to design laboratory investigations to explore development and aging.