SPS K-12 Science

Mission Statement

Our mission is to do our part in providing all SPS K-12 science classrooms with a common NGSS-aligned core scope and sequence that is engaging, authentic, culturally relevant, rigorous, and technology-based in order to provide EVERY child with equitable opportunities to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and independent learners in science.  

SPS Adopted Common Curriculum

Seattle Public Schools uses a common science curriculum and shared learning plans in grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. This helps ensure that all students have access to high-quality, engaging science instruction that reflects Washington State Science Standards. It also creates clear and consistent expectations for learning in every science classroom.

By aligning science instruction across all grade levels, students build important science knowledge and skills over time. This helps create a smoother transition from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school. Students are less likely to repeat content they have already learned or miss important learning opportunities, giving them a stronger foundation for success in science.

Standards Aligned Science Curriculum

Our science curriculum is based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which Washington state adopted in 2013. The courses we use have been researched, tested in classrooms, and reviewed by teams of teachers, university science educators, and scientists. Teachers receive training and ongoing professional learning throughout the year to support effective use of the curriculum.

The NGSS also introduced a new approach to science teaching and learning called three-dimensional learning. In the past, science instruction often focused mainly on learning content. NGSS recognizes that students need both scientific knowledge and 21st century skills. To support this, students engage with three parts of science learning: Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas (key science content), and Crosscutting Concepts that connect ideas across different areas of science.

This approach encourages students to actively make sense of scientific ideas instead of simply receiving information. Rather than being told how something works, students investigate questions and develop explanations based on evidence.

To support this type of learning, each unit is built around an interesting scientific phenomenon that connects to students’ lives. Through a series of learning activities, students explore the phenomenon and deepen their understanding of the science behind it.

Because this approach may be different from traditional science instruction, Seattle Public Schools provides year-round professional learning opportunities for teachers of all core science courses.

Using Digital Platforms in Science

Technology in the science classroom should be used to transform learning and teaching through grade-appropriate, meaningful integration that enables teachers to increase 1-to-1 face time with students while providing students tools for creative discourse and sense-making, deep learning about science content, and individualized expression of their learning.

Technology is not a replacement for teacher-student interaction, but rather a tool that is used when appropriate to deepen students’ learning experiences.

Click the links to the right to find out more about core curriculum at each grade level.