Rialto USD Science
In Rialto USD every science class aims to :
Foster students' sense of belonging and connection by communicating with teachers and peers;
Support students' ability to make sense of local and global changes;
Create flexible opportunities for students to learn, practice and extend learning;
Connect families with school-based resources for learning, technology, nutrition, and wellness; and
Include opportunities for families to engage in learning together
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Rialto USD's Commitment
The GRADUATE PROFILE our True North
Co-created with input from key stakeholders, this profile is our public statement of our priority goals for teaching and learning in science.
"In Rialto, we believe that a high quality science education means that all students will appreciate the nature and wonder of science by exploring the natural world. All students will have the ability to communicate about scientific phenomena and matriculate from our system ready for college and career better able to advocate for themselves and their community because every student has developed communication, collaboration, inquiry and problem solving skills."
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Released in April 2013, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are the newest national science standards being implemented. These standards take into account that science - and therefore science education- is integral to the lives of all Americans.
Rialto USD's NGSS Instructional Program
All Standards, All Students: Supporting Equity Through Science
Elementary Schools
Every Science, Every Year
Elementary focuses on:
Communicating science phenomena
Sparking Curiosity (Discovery Education + STEM Connent + Mystery Science)
Exploring local and relevant phenomena when possible
Project Based Learning
Building Environmental Literacy
Middle Schools
Every Science, Every Year
Middle School focuses on:
Communicating science ideas
Introducing ideas around data analysis
Understanding science story-lines
Project Based Learning
Environmental Literacy and Community Connections
High Schools
Every Science, Every Year
High School focuses on:
Communicating science understanding
Developing ideas around data analysis
Application of science story-lines
Project Based Learning
Environmental Literacy and Civic Engagement
Middle School STEM Electives
MESA- Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement*
Robotics*
Environmental Forensics*
Environmental Resiliency*
Innovation Studio*
Scratch*
Intro to Chromebooks & G Suite*
G Suite & Coding*
G Suite & Beyond*
(*This course is not available at all sites)
High School Course Offerings
Year 1: Environmental Science (HP/P), Living Earth (HP/P), Global Health 1*, HydroSci 1: Solving Water Problems*
Year 2: Exploring Marine Environments (HP/P), Chemistry in Earth's Systems (HP/P), Global Health 2*, HydroSci 2: Water Technology*
Year 3: Energy and Worlds of the Future P, Physics in the Universe P, AP Physics 1, Global Health 3*, HydroSci 3: Principles of Applications of Water*
Year 4: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C*
Electives Related to Science: MESA*, Animal Anatomy and Physiology*, Project Lead the Way*, CTE Medical Pathways*
(*This course is not available at all sites)
Rialto USD
Graduation Requirement
Students must earn:
30 credits in integrated or embedded science
a grade of D or better
UC/CSU Science
Readiness Requirements
Students must earn:
at least 2, and preferably 3 years of U.C. Designated "Lab D" coursework (refer to district course catalog for more information about additional course disciplinary designations)
a grade of C or better
Science Assessment
The California Science Test (CAST or CAA) is an online assessment based on the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In Rialto, it is administered in grades 5,8 and 11. Student scores are categorized in four achievement levels that indicate whether a student has exceeded, met, nearly met or did not meet the standards.
Science Beyond the Classroom
STEM CARES
S.T.E.M. Cultivating Active Responsible Environmental Stewards
Inspiring students to be responsible protectors of local natural spaces and effective community leaders in environmental, climate and social justice movements.
MESA
Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement
MESA is a college & career prep engine that propels student diversity & achievement in STEM delivering California's future STEM workforce.
ROBOTICS &
Computer Science
LEGO Robotics
Skill Struck
Engaging youth in STEM exploration. From Discover, to Explore, and then to Challenge, students will understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way.