CPS Elementary Science

“When we try to pick out one thing by itself we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” JohnMuir

CPS’s elementary science program is designed to encourage inquiry – based experiences that promote the development of essential problem-solving skills. Age appropriate investigations develop these skills that are necessary in order to participate in an increasingly scientific and technological world. National Science Teacher’s Association states “… elementary age students learn science best when:

1. they are involved in first-hand exploration and investigation and inquiry/process skills are nurtured.

2. instruction builds directly on the student’s conceptual framework.

3. content is organized on the basis of broad conceptual themes common to all science disciplines.

4. mathematics and communication skills are an integral part of science instruction.” http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/elementary.aspx, Sept. 2011

The elementary science program includes three strands of science – physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) practices are integrated into every strand of science. STEM literate students develop skills that enable them to collaborate with their peers in order to solve real- world problems utilizing inquiry-based practices. Beginning in Kindergarten emphasis is placed on the development of science process skills – including measuring; observing phenomena; making predictions; collecting, organizing recording, analyzing and interpreting data; formulating and generating questions; forming hypotheses; designing experiments; and drawing conclusions. These skills are developed and expanded on through out the student’s elementary school experiences and practiced through out a variety of investigations.

Meet SPARK – Science Learning System is a mobile data collection device that will be used in the elementary science program. Funding for SPARK was made possible through the generous support of a Concord Education Foundation Grant.