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 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