Science

Science consists of a way of thinking and investigating, as well as a growing body of knowledge about the natural world. To become literate in science, students need to possess a sufficient understanding of fundamental science content knowledge, the ability to engage in science and engineering practices, and to use of scientific and technological information correctly. Technology should be infused into the curriculum and the safety of the student should always be foremost in instruction.

Science education in Georgia is in the midst of major changes, as the Science Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) are set to replace the current Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) for Science. Consequently, Rockdale County Public Schools are committed to embracing these changes by continuing to provide “hands-on, student-centered, and inquiry-based approaches” to science planning and instruction in grades kindergarten through five at the elementary level; grades six through eight at the middle school level; grades 9 through 12 at the high school level. (Georgia Department of Education, 2016.)

The Science Georgia Standards of Excellence are designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills for all students to develop proficiency in science. The Project 2061’s Benchmarks for Science Literacy and the follow-up work, A Framework for K-12 Science Education were used as the core of the standards to determine appropriate content and process skills for students. The Science Georgia Standards of Excellence focus on a limited number of core disciplinary ideas and crosscutting concepts which build from Kindergarten to high school. The standards are written with the core knowledge to be mastered and integrated with the science and engineering practices needed to engage in scientific inquiry and engineering design.