Science Philosophy
Science is a comprehensive process by which we continually refine our understanding of the universe. Scientific literacy enables us to make informed, responsible decisions that affect our daily lives.
District 203 will provide an inquiry and standards based comprehensive curriculum in life science, earth and space science, and physical science. An integral part of this curriculum is to promote an understanding of the interconnections within the sciences and the interactions among science, technology, society, and the environment.
Instruction in every science classroom will model and provide opportunities for students to participate in scientific inquiry as they experience the wonders of science. A rich variety of cognitively appropriate strategies and resources will be utilized so that all students have opportunities to experience both success and challenge.
Using inquiry implies involvement that leads to understanding. The environment in every science classroom will have students actively constructing knowledge by being engaged in observing, questioning, investigating, problem solving, predicting, evaluating, and communicating ideas.
As a result of this curriculum, instruction and environment, District 203 will graduate scientifically literate students who ask and investigate scientific questions, evaluate claims and evidence, and make responsible decisions in a rapidly changing world.
K-5 Science Overview
The K-5 science program in District 203 is organized around three strands: Life, Earth/Space, and Physical science. At the K-5 level, each grade completes one unit per strand.
The science units are listed below:
Grade
| Life | Earth/Space | Physical |
Umbrella Question: How does science exploration help me understand my world?
|
| Kindergarten | Growing & Changing
| Collections from Nature
| Constructions |
1st
| Connecting & Examining Life
| Earth & Space Patterns
| Magnets |
Umbrella Question: How does scientific inquiry help me interact with my world?
|
2nd
| Life Cycles
| Rocks | Sound |
| 3rd | Habitat | Solar System
| Light |
4th
| Human Body in Motion
| Watery Earth
| Matter |
| 5th | Nature's Recyclers
| Earth's Changing Surface
| Energy |
