District six is committed to the implementation of science curriculum that is both rigorous and developmentally appropriate for middle school students. Our goal is to focus every aspect of our science program - curriculum, instruction, assessment, materials, and professional development -- on improving student achievement as measured by performance on the Intermediate Level Science Projects and the NY State Intermediate Level Science Exam. The payoff will be that our students will acquire the scientific knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional success in a rapidly changing technological world.

We Believe
We believe that learning science is an active process by the learner of revising pre-existing ideas about the natural world. We believe that the teacher's role is to engage students with ideas. We believe that students need a variety of learning experiences and opportunities to apply knowledge and skills. We believe that teaching should proceed from the concrete to the abstract. We believe in a "minds-on" approach that challenges students to revise their thinking and understanding. We believe that proficiency in Math and Language Arts is essential to success in science. We believe that second language learners have particular needs when learning to express their understanding of science concepts. We believe that all students can learn science. We believe that teachers need appropriate instructional materials, adequate time and space to prepare and provide science instruction, and appropriate opportunities for professional growth. We believe that teachers have the responsibility to be life-long learners of science and pedagogy. We believe that teachers have the responsibility to grow and develop as teachers and leaders.

Implications
These beliefs are based on research and current understanding of learning and teaching, particularly as they apply to middle school learners. We will choose instructional materials that reflect these beliefs and provide professional development opportunities to help teachers incorporate these ideas into their instructional strategies and planning and thereby use the instructional materials more effectively.

MSSCF Contents

[Introduction] [Matrix] [Guide] [Our Vision]
[Grade 5] [Grade 6] [Grade 7] [Grade 8] [Projects] [Presentations]
[Rubrics & Design Diagrams] [Standards]