Science

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 actively apply 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 everyday life.

The scope and sequence for each course is aligned with the Washington State K-12 Science Standards. The state standards were revised in 2009 and our scope and sequence will be adjusted accordingly.

K-12 Science Courses by grade level

Grade Level	Curriculum
K-5	Science and Technology Concepts (STC), Delta, Project Learning Tree, Science-to-Go lessons; science-related readers; district-created kits. Curriculum adoption in progress
6	Life Science Organisms Macro-Micro Ecology and Evolution Our Genes, Our Selves
7	Earth Science Catastrophic Events Earth in Space Light (Part 1)
8	Physical Science Energy, Machines, and Motion Properties of Matter Light (Part 2) (begins 2013-14 school year)
9-12	For most students		See High School Course guide for additional Science courses
9	Chemistry Lab Methods (semester course) Physics Lab Methods (semester course)		Biology
10	Biology		Chemistry or Physics
11	Chemistry or Physics AP* or IB** Courses Other Science Elective Courses		Chemistry or Physics AP* or IB** Courses Other Science Elective Courses
12	Chemistry or Physics AP* or IB** Courses Other Science Elective Courses		Chemistry or Physics AP* or IB** Courses Other Science Elective Courses

General Information

• Elementary Science
• Middle School Science
• High School Science

Special notes

• Two high school science classes during high school are required for graduation. To meet HEC Board requirements, one course must be lab-based and one course must be algebra-based.
• The Issaquah School District recommends that students take 3-4 years of science in high school.
• *Advanced Placement courses are offered at Issaquah and Liberty High Schools
• **International Baccalaureate courses are offered at Skyline High School
• Some "College in the High School" courses are available at Issaquah and Liberty High Schools.

Questions?

Call Science Curriculum Specialist Debbie Nye at (425) 837-7618 or e-mail her at nyed@issaquah.wednet.edu.