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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

Three 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

K-5 Science 21 Pacing Guide


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