Our Science Curriculum
STEMscopes is our main science curriculum source. Each "scope" is similar to a chapter in a textbook and includes all elements of a 5E lesson (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate). Depending on the scope, we will take approximately 1-2 weeks to cover the material. STEMscopes is primarily an online program, but this year students will also have a corresponding workbook.
Home Connections & Resources:
STEMscopes provides opportunities for families to connect what students are learning in the classroom with experiments and conversations that can take place at home. With each scope, I will post the "Home Connection" if you're interested in ways to bring science into your home. The discussion questions make for great dinner table conversations!
Assessments & Grading:
The best way to prepare for tests is to think of the “Big Idea” that we have talked about during the scope and make sure you can explain this idea using learned vocabulary and examples that we have read about and discussed. Other useful study tools include your completed workbook work, science journal notes, and informational videos.
Students will also engage in various group work and research projects throughout the course of each scope. Students will: learn to ask questions and define problems, use models, conduct investigations, analyze data, use mathematics, construct explanations and design solutions, argue from evidence, and communicate information.
Multiple Choice Grade- The five multiple choice questions can be found online on the STEMscopes website. Have your child log into their account to show you the quiz and their responses.
Short Answer Grade/ CER- The three short answer responses are based on a 3-2-1 scale. The expectation is that students draw on all of their science knowledge, and include vocabulary and scientific reasoning and principles in their answers.
Home Connections & Resources:
STEMscopes provides opportunities for families to connect what students are learning in the classroom with experiments and conversations that can take place at home. With each scope, I will post the "Home Connection" if you're interested in ways to bring science into your home. The discussion questions make for great dinner table conversations!
Assessments & Grading:
The best way to prepare for tests is to think of the “Big Idea” that we have talked about during the scope and make sure you can explain this idea using learned vocabulary and examples that we have read about and discussed. Other useful study tools include your completed workbook work, science journal notes, and informational videos.
Students will also engage in various group work and research projects throughout the course of each scope. Students will: learn to ask questions and define problems, use models, conduct investigations, analyze data, use mathematics, construct explanations and design solutions, argue from evidence, and communicate information.
Multiple Choice Grade- The five multiple choice questions can be found online on the STEMscopes website. Have your child log into their account to show you the quiz and their responses.
Short Answer Grade/ CER- The three short answer responses are based on a 3-2-1 scale. The expectation is that students draw on all of their science knowledge, and include vocabulary and scientific reasoning and principles in their answers.
- 3 (Consistent Understanding)- Student correctly answers the question and includes relevant academic vocabulary and scientific reasoning and principles in order to explain.
- 2 (Partial Understanding)- Student correctly answers the question and includes minimal vocabulary and/or scientific reasoning and principles.
- 1 (Minimal Understanding)- Student incorrectly answers the question. OR Student does not use any scientific vocabulary, reasoning and/or principles to explain.