New York City’s science curriculum is based on the New York State Core Curriculum in Science. We focus on two major strands in kindergarten through the eighth grade—the Physical Setting and the Living Environment. Science instruction provides students with opportunities to interact directly with the natural world and gives them the skills they need to explain the world that surrounds them. The City’s approach allows students to practice problem-solving skills, develop positive science attitudes, learn new science content, and increase their scientific literacy.
The elementary science program emphasizes a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning. Younger students learn effectively when they are actively engaged in the discovery process. Children’s natural curiosity leads them to explore the natural world. We encourage our teachers to provide opportunities for their students to have direct experience with common objects, materials, and living things in their environments.
Middle school science prepares our students to explain, both accurately and with appropriate depth, the big ideas about our physical setting and our living environment. Students learn to communicate their thoughts, use appropriate scientific language, and demonstrate understanding of science process skills and procedures. The eighth-grade Science Exit Project is one important way that students demonstrate their ability to use these skills to complete a scientific investigation.
High school science involves mastery of content, knowledge of scientific procedures, and engagement with investigation and research. High schools offer four distinct Regents courses: Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Many schools also offer electives and Advanced Placement courses for students who want to pursue additional coursework, studies, and research. To graduate from high school, students must earn at least 6 science credits (including lab). To receive a Regents Diploma, students must score at least 65 on the Regents exam.
The New York City Department of Education is in the midst of an ambitious effort to support improved science education in our schools. A key component of this is Chancellor Klein’s $60 million dollar K-8 Science Core Curriculum Initiative, implemented over two years. Grades 3, 4, and 6 started to use of the new materials in September 2007; Grades 5, 7, and 8 will start in September 2008. Grades K, 1, and 2 are slated to start in September 2009. To support high school science, there is a multi-million dollar effort under way to improve the quality and quantity of science laboratory facilities at numerous schools across the City.