• Be teachable and learnable over multiple grades at increasing levels of depth and sophistication. Disciplinary ideas are grouped into four domains: the physical sciences; the life sciences; the earth and space sciences; and engineering, technology and applications of science. The main curriculum used in Levine’s K8 STEM courses is STEMscopes. This curriculum was developed at RICE University in collaboration with Accelerated Learning. To supplement our main curriculum, educators at Levine also use CIJE (the Center for Initiative in Jewish Education) NGSS 3D modules. To support our STEM initiative, we also use: Tinkercad, Arduino, Kodable, MakerBot, Vex IQ, Wonder, and Spero coding applications. In kindergarten through fourth grade, the NGSS are bundled together into specific thematic science domains: life science, earth and space science, and physical science. Computer science is infused throughout the year within each of the three core science domains to support critical thinking, twenty-first century best practices, and to maximize depth and breadth of concept application and concept mastery. Each bundle begins with an anchoring phenomena to drive instruction and accelerate learning. This thematic approach also supports horizontal alignment for STEM infused lessons outside of the STEM lab in collaboration with general studies disciplines. To further support vertical alignment in the middle school, each grade builds on the foundations taught in the lower school with extensive domain specificity. Fifth grade focuses on a thematic bundle covering space, earth systems, and sustainability. Sixth grade concentrates on biological sciences from the anatomy of a cell to bodies and systems to influential forces including genetics, inheritance, and variation. Seventh grade focuses on chemical reactions, environmental science, natural process, human impact to ecosystems, and biodiversity. Eighth grade concentrates on physics and global biodiversity. Instruction follows the 5E+IA approach including whole group discourse with Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) models. The 5E+IA approach consists of Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate, Interventions, and Accelerations per unit. Lower School Strengths • Fully renovated Makerspace • Innovative equipment • Students report STEM collaborations in General Studies to be engaging, interesting, and challenging • Students are making multi-discipline connections • Teacher buy-in • Dedicated STEM Coordinator • Access to resources to further STEM initiatives
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