CATALINA FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Science

The Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) Science Standards articulate a vision for education in the sciences and engineering that reflect how real life scientists and engineers practice their craft. A fundamental goal of science education is to help students determine how the world works and make sense of phenomena in the natural world.  In the science classroom, a carefully chosen phenomenon can drive student inquiry and add relevance to science learning. To develop a scientific understanding of the natural world, students must be able to ask questions, gather information, reason about that information and connect it to scientific principles, theories, or models, and then effectively communicate their understanding and reasoning.

The CFSD Science Standards, which are aligned to the Arizona Science Standards, set the expectations for what all students need to know, understand, and be able to do as a result of their K-12 study of science. They are distinct from prior science standards in that they integrate three dimensions of learning within each standard (3-D Science). The three dimensions of science learning are the Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas for knowing and using science. Each dimension works with the other to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time. The interrelationships of the three dimensions that make up each standard emphasize what it means to think and learn like a scientist and engineer.

Introduction to K-8 Science Standards  |  Introduction to 9-12 Science Standards

K-2 Science & Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts  |  3-5 Science & Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts

6-8 Science & Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts  |  9-12 Science & Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts