Skip To Main Content
 

Beaverton Schools

Science

A strong science education is essential for creating scientifically literate learners who are empowered to improve their lives, communities, and the world.

Students must develop critical thinking skills to observe, question, and explain the world around them. Students achieve this through active engagement in the following practices of science and engineering as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

  • High school science class
    Asking questions and defining problems
  • Developing and using models
  • Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Analyzing and interpreting data
  • Using mathematics and computational thinking
  • Constructing explanations and designing solutions
  • Engaging in argument from evidence
  • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Through engagement in these practices, students will build a deep understanding of the core ideas of science as well as the ability to apply concepts across disciplines, developing an intuitive sense of how the world works. Students will be critical thinkers who develop solution-focused ideas and evidence-based perspectives, preparing them to solve personal, community and global challenges.

For students to achieve these goals, teachers will provide varied opportunities for students to engage in rigorous, accessible, and challenging curriculum and provide student-centered instruction. Inquiry and engineering tasks should leverage the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities of each student in a collaborative environment. Curriculum, instruction, and assessment must be differentiated to meet the needs of each learner, be relevant to the lives of students, utilize appropriate technology, and have a real-world context. Through these experiences, students will learn to challenge their assumptions, critically consume information, and act independently.

Phase I of the Science curriculum, which includes grades 9-12, was adopted by the School Board on May 20, 2019. The adoption process followed the procedures outlined in the Instructional Materials Selection Administrative Regulation II/IIA-AR.

To learn more about the Science curriculum adoption, please visit the Science Curriculum Project Team webpage.