• Elementary Science

    Our elementary science curriculum is based on SCIENCE 21, a curriculum written at PNWBOCES that is aligned with the recently adopted New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards. The SCIENCE 21 curriculum is based on the Next Generation Science Standards Three Dimensional Learning framework from the National Research Council. Our kindergarten through fifth grade students are fully immersed in the SCIENCE 21 curriculum linked to the new standards.

    Three Dimensions of Science LearningThree Dimensional Learning

    • Crosscutting Concepts (see below)
    • Science and Engineering Practices (see below)
    • Disciplinary Core Ideas (grade level specific)

    Crosscutting Concepts

    • Patterns
    • Cause and Effect
    • Scale, Proportion and Quantity
    • Systems and System Models
    • Energy and Matter: Flows, Cycles and Conservation
    • Structure and Function
    • Stability and Change

    Science and Engineering Practices

    • Asking Questions and Defining Problems
    • Developing and Using Models
    • Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
    • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
    • Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
    • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
    • Engaging in Argument from Evidence
    • Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information

    Disciplinary Core Ideas (Grade Level Unit Titles)

    Kindergarten

    Unit 1: Weather and Climate/Matter and Its Interactions
    Unit 2: Forces and Interactions: Pushes and Pulls
    Unit 3: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants and Their Environment

    First Grade

    Unit 1: Earth’s Systems: Patterns and Cycles
    Unit 2: Waves: Light and Sound
    Unit 3: Structure, Function and Information Processing

    Second Grade

    Unit 1: Structure and Properties of Matter
    Unit 2: Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth
    Unit 3: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

    Third Grade

    Unit 1: Forces and Interactions
    Unit 2: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
    Unit 3: Weather and Climate
    Unit 4: Inheritance and Variance of Traits

    Fourth Grade

    Unit 1: Structure, Function, and Information Processing
    Unit 2: Energy
    Unit 3: Waves: Waves and Information
    Unit 4: Earth Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth

    Fifth Grade

    Unit 1: Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System
    Unit 2: Structures and Properties of Matter
    Unit 3: Earth's Systems
    Unit 4: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems

    Science 21 NYSSLS Scope and Sequence

    NYSED Science Learning Standards:

    Parent Resources for Science: Here you will find a Parent's Guide to the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards

    New York State P-12 Science Standards Development, Implementation and Adoption Timeline

    NYSED P-2 Science Learning Standards

    NYSED 3-5 Science Learning Standards

    Last updated: 12/08/2022