Science: Life, Physical and Earth

Middle School Science · COMPASS · Innovation Learning Lab

About This Course

What is Middle School Science?

Middle School Science is a full-year, inquiry-based science course that covers all three major science domains — Physical, Earth, and Life Science — through hands-on projects, experiments, and real-world exploration. This is Year 1 of a three-year sequence, designed to build a deep, lasting foundation in scientific thinking.

This isn't a class where students passively absorb information — it's a space where they ask questions, test ideas, build things, observe the natural world, and learn to think like scientists. Every unit brings the content to life through doing, not just reading about it.

        Aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) · Inquiry-based and project-driven · Hands-on labs and collaborative investigations · Outside commitment approximately 1 hour per day on non-class days
      

Who It's For

Is this the right fit for my student?

This course is designed for learners who are curious about the world and ready for structured academic science. It covers Physical, Earth, and Life Science content and is a great fit for students across a range of middle school ages and stages — not strictly grade-bound, but built for learners who are ready to engage meaningfully with scientific concepts and do the work.

This is Year 1 of a three-year sequence. Students who begin now will build on this foundation in Years 2 and 3, developing increasingly sophisticated scientific literacy over time.

Now Enrolling

Year 1 · 2026–2027

Physical, Earth, and Life Science · NGSS Year 1

Coming 2027–2028

Year 2

Continuing the sequence with Year 2 content

Coming 2028–2029

Year 3

Completing the sequence with Year 3 content

Why COMPASS Science

Why enroll in this course?

Science is best learned by doing. This course gives students structured time each week to investigate, build, test, and reflect — all within a community of peers who are doing the same work alongside them. For homeschool families who want rigorous science without a textbook-only approach, this is that class.

Over three years, students will develop the scientific habits of mind that matter for high school, community college, and beyond — learning to design investigations, analyze data, construct explanations, and communicate findings with confidence.

Hands-On Labs NGSS Aligned Project-Based Inquiry-First Physical Science Earth Science Life Science

How Students Are Assessed

A variety of formats

Assessments are designed to reflect how scientists actually work — observing, recording, analyzing, presenting, and reflecting — not just test-taking. Students will experience a mix of formats that build both content knowledge and scientific communication skills.

📓 Homework

🔬 Lab Work

📝 Quizzes

📋 Tests

🎨 Projects

🎤 Presentations

📔 Science Journals

        Outside commitment: approximately 1 hour per day on non-class days for readings, assignments, and project work. Consistent effort outside of class is essential to student success.
      

Curriculum Overview

What We Cover

A snapshot of the major content areas across all three science domains.

Physical Science

Matter and its interactions
Motion and stability
Forces and interactions
Energy
Waves and electromagnetic radiation
Chemical reactions

Earth and Space Science

Earth's place in the universe
Earth's systems
Rocks, minerals, and Earth's history
Weather and climate
Human impacts on Earth's systems
Natural resources

Life Science

From molecules to organisms
Ecosystems
Heredity and genetics
Biological evolution
Interdependent relationships
Natural selection

Science and Engineering Practices

Asking questions and defining problems
Planning and conducting investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Constructing explanations
Engaging in argument from evidence
Obtaining and communicating information

What to Bring

Supply List

Students are expected to arrive each week with all materials ready. Please have these supplies before the first day of class.

Students will also need an active Khan Academy account for practice and an active Google Classroom account to access assignments and resources at home. A personal device will be helpful to bring to class on occasion — your Guide will let you know in advance.

Writing Supplies

Pens and pencils
Pencil sharpener
Colored pencils
Eraser
Scissors
Highlighters
Glue sticks

Organization

Composition notebook
One subject spiral notebook

Digital Resources

Khan Academy account — khanacademy.org
Google Classroom access at home
Personal device (laptop or tablet) — helpful to bring occasionally
Access to a printer at home — for project materials and visual aids

Tuition and Fees

Simple, transparent pricing

Monthly Tuition

$70

Billed monthly September through May
No annual enrollment fee
Full year commitment required

Pay in Full · Best Value

$630

Pay once for the full academic year
No annual enrollment fee
Simplify your year from day one

Save vs. monthly

Innovation Tuesday Add-On

$20

For current Innovation Tuesday families
No annual enrollment fee
Add Science to your existing program

COMPASS FAQ

Common Questions

Yes! COMPASS is open to any homeschool family. You do not need to be an existing Innovation Learning Lab family to enroll.

This course covers Physical, Earth, and Life Science content and is designed for middle school learners. It is not strictly grade-bound — readiness and curiosity matter more than grade level. If your student is eager to engage with science and do the work, they belong here.

This course is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), covering all three science domains — Physical, Earth, and Life Science — as well as Science and Engineering Practices.

Students are expected to dedicate approximately one hour per day on non-class days to readings, assignments, and project work. This is a meaningful academic program — consistent effort outside of class is essential to student success.

Students are not permitted to use any form of AI to complete assignments, homework, projects, lab reports, or notes. This applies at home as well as in class, and parents are asked to uphold this expectation alongside their child.

COMPASS classes are tech-free unless a Guide specifically approves a tool for a given activity. Personal devices including phones, tablets, and laptops are not permitted during class time.

Yes — fully and intentionally. COMPASS is a BIPOC-centering, LGBTQIA+ inclusive, and masking-friendly program. Every learner is welcome here exactly as they are. Our curriculum, community agreements, and classroom culture all reflect this commitment.

Families will be asked to sign a contract that includes an inclusivity section — affirming that every student in the COMPASS community is treated with dignity, respect, and belonging. This is not optional, and it applies to students and parents alike.

COMPASS is a full-year commitment, and families sign a contract at enrollment. We ask that families come in understanding this is not a drop-in program. If concerns arise, please reach out to the Guide or Tamara directly so we can find the best path forward together.

Enrolling is simple. Pay your first month's tuition to secure your spot. Your second month will be billed in October, and monthly billing continues through May via FACTS.

Formal contracts will be sent to all enrolling families in June, once our family management system is fully set up. In the meantime, you can review the COMPASS Enrollment Agreement at any time before signing up.

No registration fees, no community fees, no surprises.

Ready to explore?

COMPASS enrollment is open for the 2026–2027 school year. We'd love to have your family.

Enroll Now View the Learning Contract

📘 Family Handbook 📋 Core Day Agreement

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