Science
The DoDEA Science Education Program has two universal goals for all students. Our first goal is for all students to become critical consumers of scientific information related to their everyday lives. Our following goal is to prepare students with interests in science careers to pursue knowledge in the fields of science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM). Our program is designed to actively engage students in scientific and engineering practices and provides opportunities to apply crosscutting concepts to deepen their understanding of core ideas in science and engineering. The DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards for Science are based on the fully adopted Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
DoDEA will instruct students in Kindergarten - grade 5 using the DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards for Science (CCRSS) beginning in the 2017-2018 school years. The K-grade 5 science education experiences form the foundation for continuing to learn about science and help students to advance their understanding of the world. This scientific understanding is created using a three dimensional learning approach based on: Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts. Learning experiences are designed to engage students using investigating phenomena and by solving real world problems through the use of the engineering design process.
For DoDEA grades 6 - 12, the current science standards extend the learning of the elementary curriculum. Science courses must include inquiry-based instruction, allowing students to engage in problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and applied learning. It is imperative that every DoDEA student have every option available to pursue college and career with a strong science foundation. In DoDEA high school courses, students are required to use science skills in labs 30% of the time. High school courses serve as the foundation for college and career.
For students graduating in 2023 and beyond: DoDEA high school students are required to complete 1.0 credit of biology, 1.0 credit of Chemistry, and 1.0 credit of Physics to earn a DoDEA diploma. The completion of these three courses is inclusion of all Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that DoDEA began implementing in SY19-20 as part of the College and Career Ready Standards for all students.
