Social Studies
The City’s Social Studies program has as its foundation the New York State Social Studies Core Curriculum. Through explorations of history, geography, economics, government, and civics, students learn about the people, places, eras, and events near and far that shaped our world.
In grades K-2, students begin to develop awareness about self, family, neighborhoods, and communities large and small. In grades 3-5, they are introduced to the diversity of world communities, the historic development of New York State, and the similarities and differences among the nations that make up the Western hemisphere (North, Central and South America and the Caribbean).
Science
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.