SCIENCE Standards by Grade - Parent Versions

Standards-Driven Science Instruction at Rock Hill Schools

In Rock Hill Schools, science instruction is guided by the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Science Standards 2021, which were officially approved by the State Board of Education and the Education Oversight Committee on June 14, 2021. Teachers across our district use these updated standards to design engaging, hands-on lessons that prepare students for future success in school, college, and career. Parents can explore standards in a clear, easy-to-read format using the state’s Parent-Friendly Standards resource:

• K-5 Science Parent Friendly Standards

• 6-8 Science Parent Friendly Standards

• 9-12 Science Parent Friendly Standards

Classroom Science Instruction in Rock Hill Schools

Teachers in Rock Hill use state approved high quality instructional materials to guide their lessons. Science instruction integrates content from math, ELA, and social studies to help students make connections and better understand how the information applies to their lives. As students progress, they will take mandatory state assessments at the end of 4th grade, 6th grade, and biology 1 courses. These exams require students to go beyond memorization and vocabulary to apply what they have learned in different situations. So, Rock Hill science classrooms challenge students in all grades to build skills, thinking, and knowledge to succeed.

How to Help Students with Science at Home

Parents can help their students with science at home by partnering with them to think about the world around them. Here a few actions that can be done with family:

• Do simple, hands-on "experiments" at home. This can include routine activities like cooking, gardening, or play while asking questions to discover why. This helps students to make connections to science concepts beyond their class.

• Ask questions when exploring things together: 

  • “What do you think will happen; if…?”

  • “Why do you think this changed?”

  • “How could we test that idea?”

  • “What reminds you of something we’ve seen before?”

  • “What would happen if we changed…?”

• Read books or watch videos and movies together with a science focus. These can be fiction or non-fiction. It is about sharing the experience and talking through vocabulary and background knowledge.

• Show positive interest and expectations for science. Ask about what they liked in science class and ask questions so they can talk through what they are learning. Instead of saying "I was never good at science," try "I don't know the answer to that. Let's find out together!"