Science Curriculum

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Science department is to ensure all students receive a solid background in Science and Technology that enables them to understand current issues and technologies in the fields of science and to use scientific thinking and principles to apply to problem solving and current issues in technology and science.  We will provide students with the Science and Technology skills necessary for career and post-secondary opportunities in the 21st Century society and economy.

 The Science Program at SVRCS is designed to build knowledge, skill, understandings, and competencies aligned to the PA Core Standards for Science and Technology Content and the Common Core Grades 6-12 Standards for Literacy in Science, & Technical Subjects:

STANDARDS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

3.1 Unifying Themes

Systems
Models
Patterns
Scale
Change
3.2 Inquiry and Design

Nature of Scientific Knowledge
Process Knowledge
Scientific Method
Problem Solving in Technology
3.3 Biological Sciences

Living Forms
Structure and Function
Inheritance
Evolution
3.4 Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics

Matter
Energy
Forces and Motion
Astronomy
3.5 Earth Sciences

Land Forms and Processes
Resources
Meteorology
Hydrology and Oceanography
3.6 Technology Education

Biotechnology
Information Technology
Physical Technologies
3.7 Technological Devices

Tools
Instruments
Computer Operations
Computer Communication Systems
3.8 Science, Technology, and Human Endeavors

Constraints
Meeting Human Needs
Consequences and Impacts
 

 COMMON CORE GRADES 6-12 STANDARDS FOR LITERACY IN SCIENCE, & TECHNICAL SUBJECTS

Key Ideas and Details:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH. 1 – Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.2 – Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.3 – Identify key steps in a text's description of a process related to history/social studies.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12. 3 –Evaluate various explanations for actions or events and determine which explanation best accords with textual evidence, acknowledging where the text leaves matters uncertain.

Craft and Structure:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.5 – Describe how a text presents information.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.5 – Analyze in detail how a complex primary source is structured, including how key sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text contribute to the whole.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6 – Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author's point of view or purpose.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12. 6 –Evaluate authors' differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors' claims, reasoning, and evidence.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.7 – Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.8 – Evaluate an author's premises, claims, and evidence by corroborating or challenging them with other information.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.8 – Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9 – Analyze the relationship between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.9 – Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a coherent understanding of an idea or event, noting discrepancies among sources.

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.10 – By the end of each grade, read and comprehend Science and Technical texts in the respective grade’s text complexity band independently and proficiently.

 
ELEMENTARY SCIENCE PROGRAM

SVRCS uses several programs to deliver core-aligned Science and Technology content to grades K-5.  This program delivers appropriate grade-level content to build knowledge and competencies to meet PA Academic Standard expectations.  The program is designed to nurture an understanding of science content and issues, and to build skills in scientific thinking and problem solving.  The program lays a solid foundation for success in secondary studies.

 
MIDDLE LEVEL SCIENCE PROGRAM

SVRCS uses an interdisciplinary approach to science through the Interactive Science Series program.  Grade 6, 7, and 8, students study topics in Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Physical Sciences each year to build their understanding of scientific facts, principles, and thinking.  Students will increase their ability to understand scientific thinking, pose questions, test hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions.  Also, the program works to move students towards college/career ready science and technology skills.

 
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL SCIENCE PROGRAM

SVRCS Science courses consist of courses in Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics.  There are also a variety of other courses to advance understanding in these topics or to branch out into related fields.  Students will develop 21st century career and college ready skills in technology and science.
SVRCS Science and Technology Sequence

 
GRADE                                    COURSE                                                          COURSE NUMBER                 

Kindergarten               Grade K Science                                                            50020

 1st grade                     Grade 1 Science                                                           50120

 2nd grade                    Grade 2 Science                                                           50220

 3rd grade                    Grade 3 Science                                                           50320

 4th grade                     Grade 4 Science                                                           50420

 5th grade                     Grade 5 Science                                                           50520

 6th grade                     Grade 6 Science                                                           50620

7th and 8th grade         Phase IV Physical Science                                           18000

7th and 8th grade         Phase IV Life Science                                                   18001

7th and 8th grade         Phase IV Earth Science                                                18002

9th grade                     Biology                                                                          18003

9th to 12th grade          Forestry and Plants                                                       18093

10th grade                   Keystone Biology                                                           18903

10th to 12th grade        Chemistry                                                                       18004

10th to 12th grade        Physics                                                                          18006

10th to 12th grade        Environmental Science                                                   18008 

10th to 12th grade        Environmental Science AP                                              18009

10th to 12th grade        Wildlife I                                                                          18088

10th to 12th grade        Geology                                                                          18090

10th to 12th grade        Soil and Land Management                                             18091

10th to 12th grade        Wetlands and Aquatics                                                    18092

10th to 12th grade        Animal Science                                                                18096

11th to 12th grade        Genetics                                                                           18100

11th to 12th grade        Forensic Science                                                              18101

11th to 12th grade        Advanced Biology                                                             18103

10th to 12th grade         Plant Science                                                                         13015