Built for Connecticut's Next Generation Science Standards
Stile helps students build scientific understanding and reasoning through connected learning experiences that deepen thinking over time and prepare students for success in high school science and beyond.
Purposeful tasks. Evidence-based revision. Lessons that advance student thinking.
Thoughtfully designed three-dimensional learning
Connecticut's science standards ask students to do more than learn scientific facts. They ask students to develop and revise explanations as they build understanding over time.
That process is at the heart of Stile. Throughout each unit, students return to meaningful scientific questions, use evidence to support their thinking, and revise their explanations as they learn more. This iterative explanation-building is a core part of authentic three-dimensional learning, and it happens within every lesson and across every unit.
Drawing on the strongest elements of our middle school science curriculum, Stile has been tailored for Connecticut. The result is a coherent, sequenced program for grades 6–8 that meets the full depth and specificity of Connecticut's Next Generation Science Standards.
Real-world phenomena from right here in Connecticut
Stile's phenomena are rooted in real science happening all around the world. But there's nothing more fascinating than investigating what's happening right where you live. Stile's curriculum for Connecticut includes brand-new lessons drawn directly from the state.
Connecticut's invasive species
Connecticut is under pressure from invasive species that threaten native organisms and disrupt ecosystems statewide.
Students investigate how Chinese mitten crabs could harm Connecticut ecosystems, analyzing case studies and species interactions to explain impacts on biodiversity.
Food Chains and Food WebsGrade 7MS-LS2-2
Connecticut River Valley footprints
In 1802, a set of mysterious fossilized footprints were found in the Connecticut River Valley. Scientists still debate which dinosaurs made them.
Students analyze real fossilized footprints from Dinosaur State Park, collecting data on shape, size, and stride patterns to propose which dinosaurs walked through Connecticut 200 million years ago.
Forces in flight
The frisbee was born in Connecticut – students once tossed empty pie tins from the Frisbie Pie Company in Bridgeport just for fun. Some throws soared, others flopped.
Students explain the forces that affect a frisbee’s motion, using a simulation to investigate how release angle affects travel distance.
Prepare your students for the Connecticut NGSS Assessment
Connecticut's grade 8 NGSS assessment measures three-dimensional learning across life, physical, and Earth/space science. Stile's curriculum precisely scaffolds the content and practices students need, with plenty of opportunities to think like scientists and excel on the assessment.
NGSS Science Assessment Grade 8
Question
Venus and Earth have similar masses, but Venus travels faster and has an orbital period of less than one Earth year.
Create a model to describe the difference in orbital speed. Draw one arrow for each planet to show the magnitude and direction of the force of gravity on each planet. Longer arrows represent forces with greater magnitude.
Stile Practice Test
Question
Jupiter and Mars both orbit the Sun, but Jupiter is much further away. Mars completes an orbit in about 2 Earth years, while Jupiter takes almost 12 Earth years.
One reason that Jupiter takes longer to orbit the Sun is the length of its orbit. This is shown in the model below. Another reason is the strength of the Sun's gravitational force.
Add arrows to the model to show the direction and relative strength of the Sun's gravitational force for each planet. Make sure to:
- Draw one arrow for each planet showing the force of gravity.
- Use longer arrows to represent stronger gravitational forces.
Watch a Stile classroom in action
See exactly how a real Stile implementation works in practice. In this spotlight, teachers share how Stile has saved prep time, boosted student engagement, and made science class the highlight of the day.
Pilot Stile with a team of experts behind you
Stile is all about giving teachers the best possible start. Every Stile pilot comes with hands-on support from a dedicated Teaching and Learning Specialist who understands middle school science and knows how to make curriculum implementation work.
They'll work with your teachers. Learn your context. Help you get the most out of every lesson.
