Amplify Science 7/8 Implementation and Support

Title: Information Item

Date:                  October 3, 2025

To:                  Grade 7-8 Administrators

From:                 Dr. Candace Penrod, District Science Supervisor

Subject:        Amplify Science 7/8 Implementation and Support

 Summary:

Salt Lake City School District is excited to have Amplify Science materials in all middle school science classrooms.  The district has made a significant financial and curricular commitment to these highly quality instructional materials that support Utah’s Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards middle school science classrooms.  The expectation is that the materials are now in use in all middle school science classrooms with the following district support: The

1. The District Science Pacing Guide for 7^th Grade   supports the systemic implementation of the new Amplify Science materials to support the SEEd Standards.
2. The District Science Pacing Guide for 8^th Grade supports systemic implementation of the new Amplify Science materials to support the SEEd Standards.
3. A District Science Coach is available to visit your site and assist your teachers in getting started with the on-line and physical materials.  Contact Candace Penrod if you and your teachers would benefit from a site visit.
4. The monthly Cross-District Middle School PLC meetings for middle school science are designed to support our teachers in the implementation of Amplify Science.
5. Training sessions with an Amplify Science trainer will be available to support 7/8 grade science teachers with implementation of units, assessments, and assignments. More information will be forthcoming.

Rationale: 

The implementation of high-quality instructional materials is a priority for Salt Lake                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           City School District. Amplify Science for middle school was identified by our MS Science Materials Adoption Committee as a high-quality resource to support the implementation of the Utah SEEd Standards. Amplify Science includes hands-on materials, simulations, support for English Learners, support for Special Education, and opportunities for all students to engage with phenomenon-driven science instruction. The district-wide use of common high-quality materials supports all learners have access to high-quality science instruction.

Additionally, the use of the District Science Pacing Guide is also an expectation, as it provides continuity and support across the district for teachers and students. Our Cross-District Middle School Science PLC will focus on supporting teachers’ instruction and student work aligned with the District Pacing Guide.  It is the expectation moving forward that with the adoption and use of district materials, classroom instruction will be aligned by Strand (topic/unit) across the district according to the District Science Pacing Guide. This will create a more cohesive system of science education to support all learners and District Priorities and curricular goals.

Expectations for Implementation: 

1. Communication

• Middle School Administrators will communicate expectations and rationale to teachers regarding the use of the District Science Pacing Guide and the implementation of Amplify Science in all middle school classrooms.

2. Collaboration: 

• Dr. Candace Penrod, candace.penrod@slcschools.org 

3. Evaluation

• Number of students using Amplify Materials; RISE scores; PLC data

Keywords: science, seventh grade, eighth grade, pacing guide, Amplify Science, SEEd standards