The foundation for science literacy is introduced through a hands-on approach throughout the elementary grades. The K-5 curriculum is focused on developing a preliminary understanding of the earth, life, and physical sciences while cultivating the natural curiosity of young students through exploration of the world around them.

In the middle grades, students take part in a three-year sequence of sixth grade earth science, seventh grade life science, and eighth grade physical science. Middle grades science in GCPS focuses on inquiry-based content instruction in conjunction with the characteristics of science necessary for the development of future scientists. To that end, students will refine their ability to make observations, develop hypotheses, conduct investigations, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, formulate questions, and recognize evidence of bias in preparation for their high school science experiences.

In high school, students will complete a four-year sequence of biology, chemistry, physics, plus either elective courses and/or AP courses. In all courses, a minimum of 25% of instructional time is devoted to laboratory-based experiences. This strong science program offers Advanced Placement biology, chemistry, and physics in most high schools. Other science electives include Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Microbiology, Oceanography, and Earth Systems. Each school may select electives to offer based on student interest.

Current core materials for the K-12 science program were reviewed in June 2008, will be piloted in Fall 2008, and approved by the Board of Education in Spring 2009.

Assessment

Science teachers in Gwinnett have developed the tradition of continuously improving the science program to meet the needs and potential of our students who are preparing for an increasingly sophisticated, technological world. Science knowledge and inquiry skills are assessed on the Georgia CRCT in grades 3-8. Teachers in GCPS then continue to monitor the learning of our students through the Gateway Assessment Program in grade 10. Finally, high school students' mastery of science is demonstrated on either Endo of Course Tests in Physical Science and Biology or the Science portion of the Georgia High School Graduation Test.

Gwinnett County Public Schools is committed to maintaining standards of excellence as indicated by science achievement. In the 2012-13 school year, district assessments will be administered in Grades 3 – high school physics and will provide teachers with an opportunity to evaluate content mastery and provide additional learning opportunities when necessary. By balancing the need for a skills-based learning environment and a content-rich curriculum, science in Gwinnett will prepare students to be successful in post-secondary education, work, and life.

Core Materials

The current core instructional materials are listed below. New science materials, recently reviewed and approved by the Board of Education will be implemented according to the GCPS schedule.

Elementary School Science

Grades K-5: (Houghton Mifflin) Houghton Mifflin Science



Middle School Science

Grade 6: (Holt) Earth Science
Grade 7: (Holt) Life Science
Grade 8: (Holt) Physical Science


High School Science


Biology:

Honors/Gifted Biology	Biology McDougal Littell (2008)
College Prep Biology	Biology McDougal Littell (2008)

Chemistry:

Honors/Gifted Chemistry	Chemistry - Matter and Change Glencoe/McGraw Hill (2002)
College Prep Chemistry	Chemistry - Matter and Change Glencoe/McGraw Hill (2002)

Physics:

Honors/Gifted Physics & AP Physics B	Cutnell & Johnson - Physics (John Wiley & Sons, Inc 2001)
College Prep Physics	Physics Principles and Problems (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill)

Electives:

AP Biology	Biology - AP Edition Biology(Pearson/Benjamin Cummings)
AP Chemistry	Chemistry - The Central Science (Pearson/Prentice Hall)
AP Physics B	Physics (Pearson/Addison Wesley)
AP Physics C	Physics for Scientists and Engineers (W.H. Freeman & Company)
AP Environmental Science	Living in the Environment (Cengage)
Anatomy & Physiology (A & P)	Principles of Anatomy & Physiology (Wiley)
Biotechnology	Biotechnology: Science for a New Millennium, 1st Ed. (Ellyn Daughertry)
Earth Systems	Earth Science (Holt, Reinhart & Winston)
Environmental Science	Global Science (Kendall/Hunt)
Environmental Geology	Modern Physical Geology (Saunders College Publishing)
Astronomy	Astronomy Today (Pearson/Addison Wesley)
Microbiology	Microbiology: A Human Perspective (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill)
Oceanography	Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science (Cengage)
Forensic Science	Forensic Science: An Introduction (Pearson/Prentice Hall)
Physical Science	Physical Science Spectrum (Holt)