Science
Capital School District is proud to offer science curriculum aligned with Delaware State Standards with additional parent on-line resources. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) consists of three dimensions of science learning. They are very distinct and equally important to learning science. These dimensions are combined to form each standard—or performance expectation—and each dimension works with the other two to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time.
1. Crosscutting Concepts help students explore connections across the four domains of science, including Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design. When these concepts, such as “cause and effect”, are made explicit for students, they can help students develop a coherent and scientifically-based view of the world around them.
2. Science and Engineering Practices describe what scientists do to investigate the natural world and what engineers do to design and build systems. The practices better explain and extend what is meant by “inquiry” in science and the range of cognitive, social, and physical practices that it requires. Students engage in practices to build, deepen, and apply their knowledge of core ideas and crosscutting concepts.
3. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) are the key ideas in science that have broad importance within or across multiple science or engineering disciplines. These core ideas build on each other as students progress through grade levels and are grouped into the following four domains: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering.
Learn more about Next Generation Science:
http://www.nextgenscience.org/
https://www.nextgenscience.org/parents
Engineering practices are also a key component of the adopted science standards. Connections between science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are integral to transforming the world around us and the career options for our students. Educators must help our students see these connections with the hands-on and real-life connections. As educators, our job is to make these processes come alive for our large and diverse student population. We do this by giving students a complete, accurate and working understanding of the nature of science, including: the presentation of arguments, modeling, and learning from investigations. The phenomena based approach to learning is integral in understanding concepts around science and problem solving. Put more simply, from kindergarten to high school, we provide a standards-based curriculum that treats science not as series of facts to be learned, but as a method of investigating and understanding the world. Doing science is the key to approaching science, not just talking about science.
ELEMENTARY:
Exploratory experiences using Smithsonian/STC (Science and Technology for Children) and FOSS (Full Option Science System) kits introduce scientific concepts through hands-on activities during which students actively engage in problem solving using the scientific process. As curriculum adoptions are on-going updates to our materials will be adjusted over the next few years.
MIDDLE:
In middle school, students begin a more in-depth exploration of life science, physical science and earth science. Using TCI science materials in grades 6, 7, and 8 we have unified our approach to hands on instruction through short lectures, peer collaboration, projects, multimedia and laboratory experiences. Students begin with the connections of deepening their understanding of phenomena introduced in elementary level. These concepts at the middle school level include energy, earth history, ecosystems, diversity of life and genetics.
Grades 6, 7, 8 Science Curriculum:
https://www.teachtci.com/science/
HIGH:
By high school, more than 15 different course options are available, including dedicated life, physical, chemical, and environmental science offerings. High-performing students will have an opportunity to earn college credit through Advanced Placement classes in biology, chemistry, environmental science and physics and a dual enrollment Biology course.
Capital School District additional activities include:
- Science Fair
- FIRST Robotics team
- Science Olympiad
- Elementary and middle school STE(A)M based activities
- Elementary and middle school summer programs
Resources:
Delaware’s Science Standards
FIRST Robotics
Delaware Science Olympiad
Delaware Valley Science Fairs