K-12 Science Curriculum
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are the foundational standards guiding our Waukee CSD science education experience. The NGSS calls for a three-dimensional approach to instruction, a significant transition from previous state standards. The three-dimensional approach includes crosscutting concepts, science and engineering practices, and disciplinary core ideas. Crosscutting concepts help students explore connections across the four domains of science, including Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design. Science and Engineering Practices describe what scientists do to investigate the natural world and what engineers do to design and build systems. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) are the key ideas in science that have broad importance within or across multiple science or engineering disciplines. Our science curriculum intends to nurture the growth of scientifically literate students.
Elementary Science
Through an inquiry approach, elementary students explore concepts, including patterns, cause and effect, scale and proportion, systems and models, energy and matter, structure and function, and stability and change within topics about physical, life, and earth sciences. Each grade level studies three to four units throughout the year, giving students ample opportunities to learn and share their curiosities and knowledge in a variety of ways, including visual displays, class presentations, and innovative uses of technology.
Middle School Science (Grades 6-8)
Extending on their elementary experience, our middle school scientists explore the 6-8 band from the Next Generation Science Standards. Investigation, inquiry, and hands-on experiences help further develop our students’ scientific literacy during their middle school science experience. As students transition to middle school, they all take 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade science as one of their core class periods for the entire year. You can review the individual course descriptions at the link below for additional information about the specific courses.
High School Science (Grades 9-12)
Additional opportunities are available as students transition into their high school courses. Our 9th grade science offering is Physical Science, which expands on the middle school physical science experience. As students move into Waukee High School or Northwest High School, they will have a variety of foundational and advanced course offerings to choose from. You can review the individual course descriptions at the link below for additional information about the specific courses.
