Science
The overarching goal of the Science department is for all students to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering by the time they graduate high school to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. The major goals of the Science curriculum are to:
Implement a guaranteed and viable district science curriculum that is aligned with learning expectations set forth in the Connecticut Core Science Curriculum Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards that helps children continually build on and revise their knowledge and abilities, starting from their curiosity about what they see around them and their initial conceptions about how the world works.
Achieve scientific literacy preparing students to be confident and capable lifelong learners who are equipped with the skills needed to access, understand, evaluate and apply information and present coherent ideas about science, integrating common core science literacy skills into the curriculum.
Develop a thorough understanding of scientific explanations of the world through experimentation of the disciplinary core ideas and applying these understandings to solve environmental and societal challenges.
Foster each student's understanding and use of technology and engineering, including the ability to assess the relevance and credibility of scientific information found in various print and electronic media.
The Science curriculum is aligned with learning expectations set forth in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Information regarding these standards can be found on the Connecticut State Department of Education website.
Science Units and Skills/Student Outcomes
What students should know and be expected to do by the end of the unit
Light and Sound
Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that vibrating materials can make sound and that sound can make materials vibrate
Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated
Plan and conduct investigations to determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light
Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance
Develop a simple sketch, drawing or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem
Earth's Motion
Use observations of the sun, moon and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted
Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year
Plant and Animal Traits
Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow and meet their needs
Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive
Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents
Additional Resources
Where to go for additional information and support
Submit a Ticket for Broken Device
Technology Tips
if Learning from Home