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The purpose of this curriculum framework is to assist teachers in the organization and instruction of science in the West Des Moines Community Schools.
This curriculum framework provides direction for teachers and is adaptable for individuals and class needs. It is, however, important that teachers follow the suggested sequence and scope of concepts and skills to ensure systemic and comprehensive instruction and learning. This document addresses a range of information from the “big picture” of K-12 science instruction down to the specifics of grade levels and individual science courses.
This curriculum framework, embedded in sound, successful, and research-based perspectives of the past, the National Science Education Standards, yet continues to be a fluid, dynamic instrument leading to the future. The teachers of West Des Moines Schools endeavor to implement ideas and skills that reflect the ever-changing technology and cultural changes of our society and needs of our learners.
It is the mission of the West Des Moines Community School District’s science program to provide all students with experiences that will enable them to be active, flexible thinkers and informed users of science. This science program will build on the students’ natural curiosity to: develop critical thinking skills; strengthen positive attitudes about science; and build science skills such as collecting, organizing, analyzing, and applying information. These processes will assist students in understanding our universe.
Students will be able to apply the science skills and concepts of the science classroom to their daily lives. This science program will enable students to be life-long learners and decision-makers, as well as responsible, productive citizens in their local, national, and global community.
The goals of the West Des Moines Community School District’s science program
are to provide opportunities and guidance for students to:
- experience the richness and excitement of knowing about and understanding the natural world
- recognize the inter-relationships among the earth, life, physical, and environmental science
- develop science process skills such as observing, measuring, classifying, recording, applying, predicting, experimenting, analyzing, comparing and contrasting, valuing, controlling variables, deducting, and communicating
- enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills
- realize that societal and ethical issues are impacted by science and technology
- develop informed decisions related to the local, national and global environmental community
- incorporate technology as a tool for thinking, learning and producing
- recognize how science is foundational in a multitude of careers
- communicate the language, concepts and processes of science to others through speaking, writing, reading and listening
- understand and apply science concepts
- recognize that humans have responsibility to preserve the finite natural resources of the earth
- understand the physical development of the human being
The goals of the district’s educational programming are to assist each student to:
- Develop basic learning-communicating-thinking skills.
- Acquire an understanding of and regard for his/her physical and emotional development.
- Understand living things, the physical world, and technology.
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of the visual and performing arts.
- Learn to live as a contributing member within our democratic society.
- Acquire an awareness of career opportunities and the work environment.
To graduate from West Des Moines Community Schools, a student must successfully complete six credits of science. Two of these credit must be ninth grade science. One credit equals one semester of school.
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Dave Blum
(515) 633-5056
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