Philosophy
Science in the Issaquah School District incorporates the instruction and application of concepts and principals in properties, structures and changes in the three major science disciplines of physical, earth/space and life science.
In our classrooms, students experience labs where they are actively applying scientific ideas, skills and investigative processes. Included in our approach, inquiry science is a teaching and learning model that parallels the work that scientists do, the way scientists uncover knowledge, and how they solve problems. As teachers guide students to approach and solve problems like a scientist, the students gain skills that are invaluable to other academic disciplines and their every day life.
The scope and sequence for each course is aligned with the Washington State K-12 Science Standards. The standards document is going through a revision process and our scope and sequence will be adjusted accordingly. The newest version of the Washington State K-12 Science standards is available in draft form through the O.S.P.I. website.
Elementary science
In the elementary schools, Highline and Issaquah-developed science kits are used. The approach to science subject matter is integrated with at least one concept being covered in Life Science, Physical Science and Earth/Space Science per year. The concepts introduced are:
| Kindergarten |
Plants & Animals, Recycling, 5 Senses, Seasons & Weather, Rock Identification |
| 1st grade |
Plants & Animals, Energy-Motion-Forces, Non-powered Flight, Water |
| 2nd grade |
Habitats, Germs & Illness, Ears & Sound, Humans and the Environment, Planets |
| 3rd grade |
Puget Sound Marine Habitat & Fossils, Function of Eyes, Electricity, Characteristics of Light, Atoms & Molecules, and Geology |
| 4th grade |
Forests of Washington -or- Populations & Ecosystems, Plant Experiments, Scientific Investigations, Air, Flight (optional), Geology - Volcanoes & Earthquakes, Relationship of Earth, Sun & Moon, Land & Water Investigations |
| 5th grade |
Human Body Systems & Functions, Energy, Simple Machines, Oceanography & Fossils. |
Middle school science
At middle school, each grade level (6 - 8th) is integrated with Life Science, Physical Science and Earth/Space Science. The modules we teach from are developed by Science and Technology Concepts (STC) and Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP) The units are:
| 6th grade |
Light and Sound, Organisms: Macro to Micro, Ecology and Evolution
|
| 7th grade |
Catastrophic Events,Human Body Systems, Energy, Machines & Motion |
| 8th grade |
Earth in Space, Properties of Matter, Our Genes, Our Selves |
High school science
The District offers science courses that are essential for meeting Washington State graduation requirements. Along with 9th grade Physical Science, high school students can take courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Skyline High School includes science courses meeting International Baccalaureate requirements. Issaquah and Liberty High Schools offer Advanced Placement science courses. Tiger Mountain Community High School focuses instruction on Physical Science and Biology.
The curriculum materials used–listed by subject and publisher–are:
- Biology (McDougall Littell)
- Chemistry (Prentice Hall)
- Physics (Prentice Hall)
- Physical Science - Explorations in Conceptual Physical Science (Addison Wesley)
Parent Resources
Recent District science news