Science (SCI)

Overview

The Science (SCI) curriculum for grades 5-12 fosters scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving through hands-on experiments, data analysis, and interdisciplinary projects, preparing students for careers in STEM fields like biology, engineering, or environmental science. Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Arizona benchmarks, it emphasizes evidence-based reasoning, scientific literacy, and innovation. Inclusive adaptations like tactile models and digital simulations ensure accessibility, promoting equitable engagement in scientific discovery.

Curriculum Description

The SCI curriculum progresses from foundational concepts in grades 5-6 to applied investigations in grades 7-8, and advanced research and leadership in grades 9-12. The four components—Life Science, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering and Technology—integrate disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science practices through activities like ecosystem models, physics experiments, and engineering designs. Supported by Mark Twain Media General Science: General Science: Daily Skill Builders Resource Book Grade 5-8 and Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Life Science Resource Book Grade 6-8, the curriculum fosters collaboration and real-world applications.

Life Science

  • Key Topics:
    • Ecosystems (e.g., food webs, biodiversity).
    • Cellular biology (e.g., cells, genetics).
    • Human biology (e.g., systems, health).
  • Progression:
    • Grades 5-6: Explore ecosystems and basic cell structures, using Mark Twain Media General Science: General Science: Daily Skill Builders Resource Book Grade 5-8. Activities include building food web models and observing plant cells, supported by Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Life Science Resource Book Grade 6-8. Projects involve an ecosystem diorama, with peer feedback on accuracy.
    • Grades 7-8: Investigate genetics and human systems (e.g., digestion), using Mark Twain Media Life Science: Interactive Notebook: Life Science Resource Book Grade 5-8. Activities include Punnett square analyses and modeling organ functions, supported by Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Life Science. Projects involve a genetic trait presentation, with evaluations for scientific reasoning.
    • Grades 9-12: Conduct advanced research on ecosystems and biotechnology, using Mark Twain Media STEM Labs: STEM Labs Resource Book Grade 5-12. Projects include a biodiversity conservation plan, supported by Carson-Dellosa Science Interactive Notebooks: Life Science Resource Book Grade 5-8, with rubrics assessing research depth and solutions.

Physical Science

  • Key Topics:
    • Matter and energy (e.g., properties, chemical reactions).
    • Motion and forces (e.g., Newton’s laws, mechanics).
    • Waves and electromagnetism (e.g., sound, light).
  • Progression:
    • Grades 5-6: Study matter properties and basic motion, using Mark Twain Media Physical Science: Physical Science Resource Book Grade 5-8. Activities include chemical reaction experiments and motion demonstrations, supported by Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Physical Science Resource Book Grade 6-8. Projects involve a simple machine model, with peer feedback.
    • Grades 7-8: Analyze forces and wave properties, using Mark Twain Media Physical Science: Interactive Notebook: Physical Science Resource Book Grade 5-8. Projects include a physics-based roller coaster design, supported by Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Physical Science.
    • Grades 9-12: Investigate advanced thermodynamics and electromagnetism, using Mark Twain Media STEM Labs. Projects include a renewable energy prototype, supported by Carson-Dellosa Science Interactive Notebooks: Physical Science Resource Book Grade 5-8, with rubrics assessing innovation.

Earth and Space Science

  • Key Topics:
    • Earth systems (e.g., plate tectonics, weather).
    • Astronomy (e.g., solar system, cosmology).
    • Environmental science (e.g., climate, sustainability).
  • Progression:
    • Grades 5-6: Explore plate tectonics and solar system basics, using Mark Twain Media Earth Science: Earth Science Resource Book Grade 5-8. Projects involve a weather station model, supported by Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Earth & Space Science Resource Book Grade 6-8.
    • Grades 7-8: Analyze climate patterns and astronomical phenomena, using Mark Twain Media Earth Science: Interactive Notebook: Earth Science Resource Book Grade 5-8. Projects include a climate change impact report, supported by Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Earth & Space Science.
    • Grades 9-12: Lead sustainability research and cosmology studies, using Mark Twain Media STEM Labs. Projects include a community sustainability plan, supported by Carson-Dellosa Science Interactive Notebooks: Earth Science Resource Book Grade 5-8, with rubrics assessing solutions.

Engineering and Technology

  • Key Topics:
    • Engineering design (e.g., prototyping, testing).
    • Technology applications (e.g., robotics, simulations).
    • Problem-solving (e.g., optimization, innovation).
  • Progression:
    • Grades 5-6: Apply basic engineering design to simple structures, using Mark Twain Media STEM Labs. Projects involve a bridge-building challenge, supported by Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Physical Science.
    • Grades 7-8: Design prototypes with technology (e.g., robotics), using Mark Twain Media General Science. Projects include a robotic arm model, supported by Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Physical Science.
    • Grades 9-12: Lead advanced engineering projects (e.g., sustainable tech), using Mark Twain Media STEM Labs. Projects include a community tech solution, with rubrics assessing innovation and feasibility.

Summary of Topics Learned

  • Grades 5-7: Foundational life, physical, earth, and engineering concepts through projects like ecosystem dioramas and simple machines.
  • Grades 8-9: Intermediate investigations in genetics, physics, climate, and robotics through projects like genetic presentations and roller coaster designs.
  • Grades 10-12: Advanced research in biotechnology, thermodynamics, sustainability, and engineering through projects like conservation plans and tech prototypes.

Educational Impact

Aligned with NGSS and Arizona standards, SCI fosters scientific inquiry and innovation, preparing students for STEM careers with inclusive, hands-on projects promoting critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.

Resources

  • Hands-on: Lab kits, robotics sets, models.
  • Texts: Science workbooks.
  • Digital: PhET simulations, https://curriculumthatmatters.com/.
  • Workbooks:
    • Mark Twain Media General Science: General Science: Daily Skill Builders Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236138)
    • Mark Twain Media General Science: General Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236145)
    • Mark Twain Media Life Science: Life Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236152)
    • Mark Twain Media Life Science: Interactive Notebook: Life Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236169)
    • Mark Twain Media Physical Science: Physical Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236176)
    • Mark Twain Media Physical Science: Interactive Notebook: Physical Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236183)
    • Mark Twain Media Earth Science: Earth Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236190)
    • Mark Twain Media Earth Science: Interactive Notebook: Earth Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236206)
    • Mark Twain Media STEM Labs: STEM Labs Resource Book Grade 5-12 (ISBN: 9781622236213)
    • Carson-Dellosa Science Interactive Notebooks: Life Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236879)
    • Carson-Dellosa Science Interactive Notebooks: Physical Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236886)
    • Carson-Dellosa Science Interactive Notebooks: Earth Science Resource Book Grade 5-8 (ISBN: 9781622236893)
    • Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Life Science Resource Book Grade 6-8 (ISBN: 9781622236909)
    • Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Physical Science Resource Book Grade 6-8 (ISBN: 9781622236916)
    • Carson-Dellosa STEM Labs: STEM Labs for Earth & Space Science Resource Book Grade 6-8 (ISBN: 9781622236923)

Assessment Methods

  • Formative: Lab reports, peer reviews, experiment reflections.
  • Summative: Portfolios (e.g., research papers, prototypes), projects (e.g., conservation plans), rubrics (1-4 scale for inquiry, analysis, innovation).

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