Science
Science
The Science curriculum provides a vertically aligned framework for developing scientific understanding, inquiry skills, and curiosity about the natural world from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. Aligned to the Diocese of Knoxville Science Standards, the curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, observation, and evidence-based reasoning as students progress through increasingly complex scientific concepts.
Instruction is organized across the major domains of physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering design. Through intentional vertical alignment, students revisit core concepts while expanding their ability to ask questions, analyze data, construct explanations, and apply scientific thinking to real-world phenomena, fostering both scientific literacy and responsible stewardship of God’s creation.
K - Matter & Forces: Investigates properties of matter and effects of pushes and pulls
1 - Light, Sound, Motion: Explores light, sound, and motion through observation
2 - Matter & Energy: Examines changes in matter and simple energy interactions
3 - Matter & Forces: Investigates matter, magnets, forces, and energy
4 - Energy & Waves: Explores energy transfer, waves, and motion
5 - Matter & Energy Interactions: Analyzes properties of matter and energy transfer
6 - Energy & Earth Systems: Applies physical science concepts to Earth systems
7 - Forces & Motion: Analyzes forces, motion, and energy relationships
8 - Energy & Interactions: Applies physical science principles to complex systems
K - Needs of Living Things: Explores what plants and animals need to survive
1 - Plant & Animal Structures: Examines structures and functions of organisms
2 - Life Cycles & Habitats: Explores life cycles and habitats
3 - Ecosystems & Traits: Studies ecosystems, heredity, and adaptations
4 - Structure & Function: Explores internal and external structures of organisms
5 - Matter & Energy in Ecosystems: Analyzes energy flow and matter cycling
6 - Cells & Organisms: Studies cells, organisms, and body systems
7 - Reproduction & Genetics: Examines heredity, reproduction, and variation
8 - Evolution & Ecosystems: Analyzes evolution, biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics
K - Sun, Weather, Earth: Explores weather patterns and Earth’s resources
1 - Earth Patterns: Identifies patterns in Earth and sky
2 - Earth Systems: Explores land, water, and weather systems
3 - Earth & Space Systems: Studies planets, water cycle, and natural hazards
4 - Earth Processes: Examines weathering, erosion, and Earth changes
5 - Earth Systems & Resources: Analyzes Earth systems and human impact
6 - Earth in the Universe: Explores Earth’s place in the universe and geologic time
7 - Climate & Earth Systems: Analyzes climate systems and Earth interactions
8 - Earth History & Space: Examines Earth’s history and space science concepts
K - Design Solutions: Designs solutions to simple problems
1 - Problem Solving: Builds and tests simple designs
2 - Improving Designs: Tests and improves design solutions
3 - Engineering Design: Uses the design process to solve problems
4 - Applying Engineering: Applies engineering to real-world challenges
5 - Design & Technology: Uses models and technology to solve problems
6 - Engineering Applications: Applies engineering design to scientific problems
7 - Evaluating Solutions: Evaluates and refines design solutions
8 - Complex Design Challenges: Designs and evaluates complex engineering solutions