Overview of the Science Program

The mission of the Portsmouth Science Curriculum is to prepare all students to be scientifically literate, enabling them to meet the challenges of a rapidly expanding body of knowledge within a changing, increasingly technological, and complex global society. The Science Department is committed to a hands-on, inquiry approach for the science education of all of our students at Portsmouth Middle School.

The Next Generation Science Standards focus on:

Science and Engineering Practices:

• Asking Questions and Defining Problems

• Developing and Using Models

• Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data

• Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

• Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

• Engaging in Argument from Evidence

• Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information

Crosscutting Concepts:

1. Patterns

2. Cause and Effect

3. Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

4. Systems and System Models

5. Energy and Matter

6. Structure and Function

7. Stability and Change

Disciplinary Core Ideas and Performance Expectations differ depending on the content area.

• NGSS Grade 5

• NGSS 6-8 Physical Science

• NGSS 6-8 Life Science

• NGSS 6-8 Earth and Space Sciences

• Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science