Science

Science instruction integrates student mastery of core vocabulary and conceptual knowledge with the application of scientific principles to design and conduct experiments. Faculty members craft instructional units in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards. Science assessments include sections that check for mastery of the key terms and concepts of a unit as well as performance tasks that require students to collect, synthesize, and analyze data from experiments. Science instruction reinforces key mathematical standards, such as graphing and measurement, and incorporates English language development strategies such as concept maps, visual representations of vocabulary, and peer learning.

In developing our Science instructional plans and material to align with the Next Generation Science Standards and ensure ample opportunities for experimentation and application of scientific principles, we consult the following additional resources:

  • Next Generation Science Curriculum

  • Sprocket Curriculum

  • PBS digital media tools for Teaching NGSS Engineering Design Through Media

  • NASA Space Place Lessons

  • Einstein Project

  • California Education and the environment Initiative

Two boys sitting on a colorful carpet in a classroom, wearing masks and focusing on worksheets or workbooks during a learning activity.
A classroom with students wearing masks, sitting at tables with notebooks and pencils. A boy is standing and raising his hand. There are posters on the walls, including one with the word "STEAM" and pictures of scientists, technology, engineering, art, and math. The classroom has white walls, a gray chalkboard, and various classroom supplies on desks.
Children sitting around a table with documents, water bottles, and snacks, wearing masks in an indoor setting.