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OpenSciEd brings together multiple partners, including Massachusetts as one of 10 partner states, a consortium of curriculum developers, and many other science education leaders and experts, to create a complete set of robust, research-based, open-source, K–12 science instructional materials while addressing demand for science instructional materials designed for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
From 2018 to 2025, Massachusetts has supported and contributed to the development of these open-source K–12 science instructional materials through collaboration on scope and sequence, design specifications, and the instructional model of the curricular materials. Over 250 K–12 science teachers in Massachusetts schools have field tested the materials with over 5000 students and provided feedback to improve them.
DESE strongly encourages all districts to adopt high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) for all content areas, including science. If you would like to begin the process of evaluating, selecting, and implementing HQIM, we recommend using the IMplementMA process or a similar process. DESE offers annual networks that are open to all Massachusetts districts in support of the evaluating/selecting and implementing/monitoring processes. To learn more about how the Department defines HQIM for science, please view our Quick Reference Guide .
High-quality instructional materials require substantial pedagogical shifts in the classroom and ongoing support. We highly recommend using a certified OpenSciEd PD provider to support your implementation. You can find a list of certified providers that work with teachers in Massachusetts at Teacher Professional Development Provider - OpenSciEd .
OpenSciEd is a Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS ) aligned curriculum. DESE has worked with Massachusetts field test teachers to develop alignment resources to support the implementation of the 2016 Massachusetts STE Curriculum Frameworks. Explore the resources related to each grade span:
If you have questions about high-quality science materials, professional learning, or implementation support and resources, please reach out to casandra.gonzalez@mass.gov or nicole.scola@mass.gov .
Last Updated: October 27, 2025