IXL Science

IXL skills are scaffolded to help build student knowledge. It is great supplemental practice (homework)

I have used IXL as a practice resource for my middle school science classes for the last few years. I have really enjoyed the program and the range of questions it asks students, and it covers pretty much all of the topics in my curriculum. The scenarios in the questions are really good as well. I use it as a guided practice activity during class and for homework. The main complaint from students is that it makes them work toward a proficiency level — if they don't reach it, they have to start over on that session. I wish there were a different way for students to work towards completion of a certain skill at a given time. I get the idea of proficiency, but it's not practical when students are trying to complete it within a certain timeframe (like for homework). Also, I wish it would flag rapid guessing. Some students tear through it just to get it done, and they are obviously not learning anything. Overall, I think the program is great, and I would recommend it to other science teachers.