Science instruction and learning in GCS ensures in-depth opportunities for students to authentically explore the core ideas of the natural and human built world as scientists and engineers. Science refers to an organized body of knowledge that includes core ideas to the disciplines and common themes that bridge the disciplines. Science instruction is anchored in an inquiry approach to science learning. Students from Kindergarten through 12th grade participate in hands-on investigations in order to develop a deeper understanding of science concepts.
Science instruction is guided by the South Carolina Science Standards. All district curricula are aligned with the SC standards which are tested through SC READY grades 4 and 6 and EOCEP in Biology 1. Test questions will measure the practice and/or the core content of the performance expectations. In addition, most performance indicators may be assessed with items that utilize any of the science and engineering practices. Items may also assess students’ understanding of the core content without a science and engineering practice. Click on the links below to access additional information:
Science Standards and Supporting Documents
SC READY Science (4th and 6th grades)
End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) (Biology 1)
South Carolina’s Vision for Science Education
Academic Standards
Beginning in Kindergarten and extending each year through 12th grade, all students will be provided with a coherent K-12 progression of authentic and relevant learning experiences where they actively engage in science and engineering practices and apply crosscutting concepts to deepen their understanding of each field’s disciplinary core ideas. South Carolina students will build readiness for college, career, and lifelong learning through the integration of the three dimensions into standards, curriculum, instruction, and local and state assessments, and through the feature of engineering and technology alongside of natural sciences (physical science, life sciences, and Earth and space sciences). South Carolina students will be prepared to:
carefully consume scientific and technological information related to their everyday lives,
engage in public discussions on science-related issues,
be a civic-minded decision-maker,
appreciate the beauty and wonder of science,
make sense of everyday phenomena, and
identify creative solutions to local, national, and global problems.
Framework for the New SC Science Standards:
The standards are performance expectations that are three- dimensional. These three dimensions are: 1. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs),
2. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), and
3. Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs).
The Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) are the major practices that scientists apply as they investigate and build models and theories about the world, and that engineers use as they design and build systems.
Asking questions (science) – Defining problems (engineering)
Developing and using models
Planning and carrying out investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematical and computational thinking
Constructing explanations (science) – Designing solutions (engineering)
Engaging in argumentation
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Construct devices or design solutions
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) are a set of four science and engineering domains for K–12 science that have broad importance across multiple science and engineering disciplines.
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science
Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
The Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) represent seven themes that span across science domains (Physical, Life, Earth and Space, and Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science) and have value to both scientists and engineers as they identify and connect universal properties and processes found in all domains.
Patterns
Cause and Effect
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Systems and System Models
Energy and Matter
Structure and Function
Stability and Change
These cross-cutting concepts represent thematic elements of science that students should come to recognize across all science content and standards they learn both within and across grade levels.
Stephanie Calloway
Academic Specialist for 6-12 Science
scallowa@greenville.k12.sc.us | (864) 355-5395
Katie Delloso
Academic Specialist for K-5 Science/STEAM
kdelloso@greenville.k12.sc.us | (864) 355-3187