Book excerpt: Take the mystery out of middle-grade science! The Common Core, a new set of national educational standards, has been adopted by 45 states across the nation. But if you learned about science the "old" way, you may be having a hard time understanding what your kids are bringing home from school--and why. With information on Next Generation Science Standards and practice exercises and experiments, you'll learn: The rationale behind Common Core standards The major scientific concepts your child will be learning at each grade level The new requirements for learning concepts and applying them in practical ways How the Next Generation Science Standards relate to the Common Core Math and English Language Arts standards How to help your child with homework and studying The Everything Parent's Guide to Common Core Science: Grades 6-8 will give you the confidence to help your kids meet the science expectations for their grade level, excel at school, and prepare for high school and beyond.