Science Philosophy

SCIENCE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT (What is a philosophy?)

Following the National Science Education Standards (NSES), ASA's science program presents students with a core body of scientific knowledge and through it develops students' use of the skills of science. Because scientific knowledge is growing exponentially, the science program targets the big ideas (themes) of science which are summarized in our essential questions (see below.) Our program is student-centered, interactive, and hands-on. Technology, including computers and the Internet, are integral parts of the program. In line with ASA's literacy-based curriculum, science teachers include opportunities for substantial student writing in their courses (such as journaling, explaining procedures, writing lab reports or word problems, etc.).

Science Essential Agreements (What are essential agreements?)

• We will review the NSES standards and check our alignment with them once a year.
• Each unit presented will be related to the essential questions. Teachers will post and/or state the learning objectives connected with each lesson.
• Each unit will have at least one hands-on, experiential learning opportunity.
• Technology will be used significantly for research, experimentation, or presentation, at least once per quarter to show how it sustains scientific endeavor
• Students will have a significant writing activity once per quarter that is assessed using the 6 + 1 grading scheme.

Science Essential Questions (What are essential questions?)

• How do scientists organize our knowledge of the universe?
• How do scientists use evidence, models, and explanations to communicate about discoveries?
• How do scientists measure change?
• What forces cause change?
• What is the relationship between structure and function in objects, organisms, and systems?
• How do scientists explore, observe, ask questions, collect data, and find patterns?