Science
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Elementary Curriculum
Derby Public Schools is committed to excellence in science education and follows the Kansas Science Standards. Throughout elementary school, students are using the Project Lead the Way - Launch curriculum. PLTW Launch’s interdisciplinary modules bring learning to life. The program empowers students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. And as students engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they become creative, collaborative problem solvers ready to take on any challenge.
In 2018, we added Mystery Science curriculum to give students and teachers more access to additional concepts from the KS Science Standards. Mystery Science follows the 5E model of Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. It uses short videos with compelling storytelling and visuals to introduce students to a scientific phenomenon and get them excited to investigate. Students experience key concepts through a collaborative hands-on, inquiry activity. They test predictions, share ideas and record observations. Teachers act as a facilitator, supporting students in establishing relationships and communicating their experience and ideas. Students have frequent opportunities to connect their prior knowledge to new concepts. They share their thinking and build explanations. Post-activity questions encourage students to engage in sense-making, linking their findings to the Mystery question. The final video of the Mystery builds upon the student discussion and provides scientific explanation.
Derby Public Schools Curriculum Department recently adopted the Pearson Interactive Science strand for middle school. Interactive Science features multiple levels of inquiry scaffolded to provide access for all learners. To fully utilize our one-to-one devices, the online component allows students the opportunity to interact online with active art simulations, directed virtual labs, animated art, and get extra help.
9th-12th Grade The curriculum department is excited to offer the most recent editions of high school science curriculum through Pearson. The courses supported by the curriculum include:
Physical Science - Energy & Matter
Prentice Hall Physical Science: Concepts in Action helps students make the important connection between the science they read and what they experience every day. Relevant content, lively explorations, and a wealth of hands-on activities take students' understanding of science beyond the page and into the world around them. Now includes even more technology, tools and activities to support differentiated instruction!
Biology
Miller & Levine Biology represents a new approach to engaging students with science content that connects them with the living world. Recognizing the ever-changing nature of science and the new tools, discoveries, and technologies that make a biology course so exciting, Ken Miller and Joe Levine have taken biology education to the next level, creating an unmatched blend of print and digital components. The result—a biology program as dynamic as the science of biology itself.
Chemistry
The Pearson Chemistry program combines proven content with cutting-edge digital support to help students connect chemistry to their daily lives. With a fresh approach to problem-solving, a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, and more math support than ever before, Pearson Chemistry will ensure success in your chemistry classroom. The program provides features and resources necessary for a modern Chemistry classroom - including STEM activities and powerful online resources to engage and motivate your students, while offering support for all types of learners in the classroom.
Physics
- Earth Science
- Geology/Hydrology
- Astronomy/Meteorology
- Environmental Science
- Zoology
- AP offerings in: Biology, Chemistry & Physics