Science Department
Check out how our Science Fair went. Over 110 students brought their families to check out the projects done by the whole school. It was an excellent event to celebrate the 6 weeks of work the students participated in!
Science Fair is back! Check out how our Science Fair went. Over 110 students brought their families to check out the projects done by the whole school. It was an excellent event to celebrate the 6 weeks of work the students participated in!![]()
Check out our students researching and building their projects for six weeks.
Science Fair in class.Check out our students researching and building their projects for six weeks.![]()
RHMS INTEGRATED SCIENCE COURSES
RHMS INTEGRATED SCIENCE COURSES![]()
RHMS INTEGRATED SCIENCE COURSES
Our school follows the California Next Generation Science Standards and the state’s recommended Integrated Science Courses. The curriculm we use is from Amplify as it provides online simulators and in class hands on learning experiences Below is a summary of the topics taught at each grade level. Each unit builds on each other in a grade level. Then each grade builds on the previous grade level.
6TH GRADE:
Microbiome
Metabolism
Traits and Reproduction
Thermal Energy
Ocean, Atmosphere, and Climate
Weather Patterns
Earth's Changing Climate
7TH GRADE:
Geology on Mars
Plate Motion
Rock Transformations
Phase Changes
Chemical Reactions
Population and Resources
Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
8TH GRADE:
Harnessing Human Energy
Force and Motion
Magnetic Fields
Light Waves
Earth, Moon, and Sun
Natural Selection
Evolutionary History
A peak inside the classroom as we learn and discover new Scientific Principles.
RHMS Science DepartmentA peak inside the classroom as we learn and discover new Scientific Principles.![]()
PVUSD SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
PVUSD SCIENCE PRINCIPLES![]()
PVUSD SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Practices & Concepts for Authentic Science Experiences in K-12 Classrooms
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have identified eight practices and seven concepts for students to have a more authentic science experience. Not all practices or concepts will or should be part of every lesson or unit. Evidence of the practices and concepts are shown as students read, write, talk about, and do scientific experiences to develop scientific explanations.
“Engaging in the practices of science helps students understand how scientific knowledge develops; such direct involvement gives them an appreciation of the wide range of approaches that are used to investigate, model, and explain the world.” A Framework for K-12 Science Education
| Science & Engineering Practices (SEP) | Cross-Cutting Concepts (CCC) |
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Next Generation Science Standards: For States, by States. Washington, D.C.: National Academies, 2013. Print.
Principles for Authentic K-12 Science Education
Teachers facilitate a student-centered and inquiry-based learning environment using essential questions that engage and guide ALL students through the following science principles:
| Science Principle (Practice) | Vital Student Action |
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Learning happens through doing science. (1,2,3,8)
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Students use the science practices in hands-on and/or minds-on experiences connecting science phenomena and strengthening their literacy in science.
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Questions drive inquiry and foster a deep understanding. (1,3)
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Students ask relevant and meaningful questions that further their learning and curiosity of scientific phenomena.
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Explanations are evidence-based. (4,5,6,7)
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Students analyze data, interpret observations, and evaluate hypotheses, in order to explain and revise their thinking.
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Science concepts are contextualized. (2,5,6,7)
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Students connect science concepts to their community, local ecology, and current issues in society bringing relevancy to their learning.
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Classroom collaboration fosters community connection. (2,3,6,8)
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Students collaborate to create explanations and solutions to better their lives, local ecology, and community.
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Experiences in science lead to language development.
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Students (especially ELLs) develop academic and scientific vocabulary by talking, writing, and reading about experiences and observations.
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Mastery is multifaceted.
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Students (especially ELLs) demonstrate understanding and application of science through a variety of assessment tools and strategies.
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Equitable access encourages participation in science.
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Students (especially ELLs) are engaged in learning, have access to content, and are supported with appropriate courses and learning strategies.
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Pajaro Valley Unified Science Department in collaboration with NGSS Steering Committee
