High School Science

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 22 percent of 12th-grade students in the United States are proficient in science, leaving the majority of students without the foundational knowledge for scientific literacy. As with any standardized tests, questions can be raised about the relevance of the NAEP data, but students need to demonstrate their prowess with science in some sort of reliable and valid manner.

Even in today’s science classrooms, too much emphasis is put on memorization instead of on fostering critical thinking skills. In the 2021 SC CCR Science Standards, the focus shifts from memorization to critical thinking. Science is not an isolated subject—it intersects meaningfully with all of the other disciplines in powerful ways. Integrating science with math, social studies, language arts, art, and music, can help students appreciate the relevance of science in their everyday lives and help them develop critical thinking skills in multiple areas.

A well-educated and scientifically literate populace can contribute to technological advancements, economic growth, and improved public health.

High School Primary Science Resources

Science Textbook Publisher List

In recognition of the diverse learning needs and course objectives outlined in the South Carolina College and Career Ready (SC CCR) Science Standards, each high school science course within Beaufort County School District utilizes a distinct textbook. This approach ensures alignment with the updated curriculum resources developed collaboratively by teachers and accommodates the specific disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts emphasized in each course.

OpenSciEd

OpenSciEd reimagined the science education experience to ensure that all students can excel in and outside the classroom and are prepared to thrive in the world of tomorrow. OpenSciEd’s world-class, SC CCR Science Standards-aligned instructional materials are designed for how students learn science best. Their high-quality, adaptable, full-course curriculum supports science learning through phenomenon-based, three-dimensional units that prioritize understanding and sensemaking.