POINT PLEASANT BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT

G. HAROLD ANTRIM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NEW JERSEY

Science Curriculum

Philosophy of Science K – 5

The purpose of the Point Pleasant Beach School District Science Curriculum is to develop scientific understanding and civic efficacy (the readiness and willingness to assume citizenship responsibilities and to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens).  The NJCCCS for Science reflect the belief that all students can and must learn enough science to assume their role as concerned citizens, equipped with necessary information and decision-making skills.

The need for scientific literacy in today’s increasingly technology world for fundamental reforms in how science is taught and for established standards in science education are by now well known and documented.  Presidential appeals for excellence, combined with expressions of concern from scientists and educators, have led to national, state, and local initiatives.  NJ is host to an impressive array of scientific and technological industries, and should play a leadership role in the development and implementation of standards for the teaching and learning of science.

Elementary Text

The elementary grades use the MacMillan/McGraw-Hill Science series.

Philosophy of Science 6 – 8

All students can and must learn enough science to assume their role as concerned citizens, equipped with the necessary information and decision-making skills.  The science standards in this section, therefore, are not intended to include all of science, but rather are an attempt to define what all students should understand and be able to apply as they grow towards scientific literacy.  A guiding principle of these standards is that an understanding of fundamental scientific principles and the development of science-related skills are not limited by gender, economic status, cultural background, or ability.  While developing an understanding of the natural world and the students’ place in it and impact upon it, the development of critical thinking skills is considered of paramount importance.  Also important are safe practices, the attitudes students display as they learn science and the development of qualities inherent in the practice of science, such as curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, and honesty when collecting and interpreting observations and findings.  While these habits of mind cannot be measured easily, no science program can be considered complete or successful that does not promote them.  We will encourage awareness of physical and chemical science’s connection to other subjects and the needs of society.  We will encourage careful communication and representation of collected data and ideas through scientific collaboration, written expression, graphing, diagramming and modeling, and oral presentations.  Students will broaden their knowledge and skills, design and analyze investigations and pose additional scientific questions based on their scientific inquiry.

Middle School

Sixth graders focus on the following units in the Silver Burdett – Discovery Works text:  Solar System & Beyond; Growing Up Healthy; Oceanography; Continuity of Life; The Changing Earth; Light & Sound; and Plants

The sixth graders also use Glencoe’s Earth Science text.

Seventh graders use Glencoe’s Life Science texts.

Eighth graders use Glencoe’s Physical Science texts.