Units of Study
The new science curriculum supports the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards). Within the NGSS, students explore connections across four domains of science, including Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science and Engineering Design. Students will be asked to describe what scientists do to investigate the natural world and what engineers do to design and build systems. The key ideas in science have broad importance within or across multiple or engineering disciplines.
Grades 4-8 are adopting a Houghton Mifflin science program. This program is designed around the integration of the National Research Council's Three Dimensions of Learning (Disciplinary Core Ideas, Crosscutting Concepts and Science and Engineering Practices). Each lesson is designed around the 5 Es of the Next Generation Science Standards (engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate). It is inquiry based and helps to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Houghton Mifflin also integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through literacy and math.