Overview of the Science Curriculum

There are three important aspects to the science program. The first is the underlying foundation of the Common Essential Learnings. The science program is structured in such a way that each of these are incorporated to the greatest degree possible during the teaching of science.

The second aspect is the Dimensions of Scientific Literacy. These Dimensions, delineated by the factors within each Dimension, are the target outcomes for students' science education in Saskatchewan schools. No one can maintain that there is a particular body of knowledge that all graduates should attain. However, research in science education indicates that acquiring an understanding of, and an ability in, the factors that underlie the Dimensions of Scientific Literacy will give students the ability to function in society as scientifically literate people.

The third aspect is that of scientific knowledge. There is an expectation that students should acquire this knowledge through an activity-oriented science program. The Common Essential Learnings and the factors within the Dimensions of Scientific Literacy are taught through the context of the disciplines of science. The science program seeks to use the broad fields of earth science, life science, and physical science as sources of activities and information in order that the first two aspects can be accomplished. A topical course overview, attached as Appendix B, shows how this approach will be implemented in the Curriculum Guide.

Science: A Curriculum Guide for the Elementary Level is the key document. Besides reviewing the aim and goals, some philosophy and various policy perspectives, the Guide provides an overview of the courses, an overview of each unit, a model unit, and an evaluation section. Science and Common Essential Leamings foundational and learning objectives, sample activities, suggested instructional and evaluation approaches, among other things provide support for the teacher.

What are some of the major features of the elementary program?

• The program:
  

• promotes the overall Core Curriculum philosophy;
  
• incorporates Common Essential Learnings;
  
• seeks a balance among all of the Dimensions of Scientific Literacy;
  
• emphasizes STSE science;
  
• demands activity-based science;
  
• is developmentally appropriate for students;
  
• supports the Adaptive Dimension by encouraging a wide range of instructional and evaluation approaches;
  
• integrates Indian and Métis perspectives through the environment strand, in particular; and,
  
• encourages Resource-Based Learning.

How do I handle multi-grading in science?

• Adapt the curriculum.
  

• Organize the classroom.
  
• Use a variety of teaching strategies.
  
• Promote independent study.
  
• Use peer tutoring and learning teams.
  
• Use Resource-Based Learning.