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Illinois Vision of K-12 Science Education

 
Effective science teaching and learning will mean that Illinois K-12 students will be better prepared for entrance into college and careers. The Next Generation Science Standards call for a three-dimensional approach to science instruction: Core Ideas, Crosscutting, and Practices.  They are designed to help students acquire a deep understanding of core science and engineering content and ideas as well as experience applying that knowledge in any context.  Students will demonstrate their scientific proficiency by engaging in practices that demonstrate the ability to apply scientific concepts. For more information from the Illinois State Board of Education visit the Illinois State Board of Education site.
 
State Assessments

Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)

Illinois will administer a science assessment to students in grades five, eight, and once in high school. For more information about the state assessment for science visit the Illinois Science Assessment page.
Science Curriculum

Science Curriculum

Overview

School District 308 has engaged teachers, administrators, and specialists in the development of science curriculum aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. These standards are grouped into Physical Science, Earth Science, Life Science, and Engineering. The following are the content themes by grade level with the engineering standards integrated throughout. The resources used for our science curriculum are DefinedSTEM and Amplify Science

Kindergarten

  • Physical Science and Engineering: Pushes and Pulls
  • Physical Science, Earth Science, and Engineering: Weather 
  • Life Science, Earth Science, and Engineering: Plants and Animals

First Grade

  • Life Science and Engineering: Animals and Plant Defenses
  • Physical Science and Engineering: Light and Sound
  • Earth Science: Spinning Earth 

Second Grade

  • Life Science and Earth Science: Plant and Animal Relationships
  • Earth Science: Changing Landforms
  • Physical Science and Engineering: Properties of Materials

Third Grade

  • Life Science and Engineering: Environments and Survival
  • Physical Science: Balancing Forces
  • Earth Science and Engineering: Weather and Climate
  • Life Science

Fourth Grade

  • Physical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and Engineering: Waves, Energy, and Information
  • Physical Science and Life Science
  • Earth Science: Earth's Features
  • Physical Science, Earth Science, and Engineering: Energy Conversions

Fifth Grade

  • Physical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and Engineering: Ecosystem Restoration
  • Physical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and Engineering: The Earth System 
  • Physical Science and Earth Science: Patterns of Earth and Sky
  • Physical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and Engineering