Sixth through Eighth Grade students participate in a three-year comprehensive Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP) developed specifically for middle school students. Science concepts are investigated through interesting, current societal issues and problems that allow students to make personal connections to the material about which they can develop and articulate an opinion.

All units build upon adolescents’ need for peer interaction and support by enhancing individual learning through cooperative group work. Learning experiences build concepts through a spiral approach, building key ideas and vocabulary over various units and incorporating the following components in each unit: laboratory investigation, modeling, reading, role-playing, talking it over, reflecting, projecting and problem-solving.