Grades 9-12

Curriculum:

All SPS students participate in rigorous, standards-based scientific inquiry in preparation for college-level science coursework and competition in the global economy. The science program provides all students with rich, rigorous, engaging and relevant student-centered, developmentally-appropriate experiences in life, physical and Earth science. This inquiry-based approach simultaneously nurtures students’ curiosity about the world around them and fosters rigorous scientific habits of mind. In the upper grades, the SPS science program offers advanced courses such as AP and UConn Early College Experience for college credit. There is also a variety of science electives such as forensic science and marine biology. 

CCSS for ELA in Science in Grades 9-12:

The SPS elementary science program supports the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Students use their science notebooks to express what they’re learning in science by recording observations, organizing and analyzing their data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence/data that they’ve collected. In science, students have many opportunities to discuss their findings, collaborate, and share their new understanding about scientific concepts. During science, students learn and use science-specific words. All of these skills will help students become scientifically-literate adult citizens capable of making informed decisions.

The SPS high school science program supports Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts in Science (CCSS ELA) specifically, and science literacy in general. Students use their science notebooks to express what they’re learning in science by recording observations, organizing and analyzing their data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence/data that they’ve collected. In science, students have many opportunities to discuss their findings, work both collaboratively and independently, and share their new understanding about scientific concepts. During science, students learn and use science-specific words as they build deeper content knowledge. All of these skills will help students become scientifically-literate adult citizens capable of making informed decisions. In addition, students have at least one close read of a complex science reading passage per semester. 

Assessment:

High school science students take classroom quizzes, district unit tests, district benchmark assessments, district mid-year assessments and final assessments. Science students also perform science labs. These assessments and labs mark students' progress in learning science content and process skills before taking the Connecticut State NGSS Science Test in 11th grade.