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EGUSD’s Science Initiative

The Elk Grove Unified School District introduced new curricular materials for the 2008-2009 school year as a part of their new science initiative for students at all grade levels throughout the district.  New science materials were unveiled for grade K-8 and new earth science materials were debuted at the secondary level. 

Photo: A Kennedy Elementary School student places a celery stalk in colored water to test how the water will affect the vegetable

Photo: A Kennedy Elementary School student places a celery stalk in colored water to test how the water will affect the vegetable.

“Science is an extremely important part of our children’s futures,” said Anne Zeman, Ed.D., director of curriculum and professional learning for the district.  “Not only does it prepare them for professional job opportunities, but it also helps them develop an understanding of a modern world that is increasingly dependent on science.  Science can be the basis for technological development in a variety of professional fields so creating a strong science foundation is of the utmost importance.”

Photo: A Kennedy Elementary School student records the results of her science experiment.

Photo: A Kennedy Elementary School student records the results of her science experiment.

During the 2007/2008 school year, a variety of science materials were reviewed through a rigorous process to ensure top quality for Elk Grove Unified students.  The process included 90 teachers who volunteered to participate in a pilot program and 30 teacher served on the Science Steering Committee.  Each series of science materials was subjected to a rigorous review of content and appropriateness for EGUSD students.

Following a process of field-testing and clinical analysis, two series were selected as new science curricular materials – MacMillian McGraw-Hill for grades K-5 and Holt Science for grades 6-8.  Some of the features of the new science programs include: hands-on labs for students; student-friendly textbooks; a comprehensive program that builds from kindergarten through middle school; and online access to student textbook and ancillary materials.

Photo: A Kennedy Elementary School student records the results of her science experiment. student inspects a piece of celery during a science activity.

Photo: A Kennedy Elementary School student records the results of her science experiment. student inspects a piece of celery during a science activity.

“The new science programs are excellent additions to the curriculum we currently have here at EGUSD,” said L. Steven Winlock, Ed.D., associate superintendent of Pre-K-6 education.  “Each K-6 classroom will be provided with a lab kit.  Our teachers have received many hours of training with the new materials and are eager to share their new knowledge with their students.  In addition, to supplement their preliminary training, teachers will have the opportunity to attend follow-up trainings throughout the school year to provide more in-depth instruction to students.”

Photo: Two Kennedy Elementary School student records the results of her science experiment. student inspects a piece of celery during a science activity. in Matanah Buoh’s class prep for a science activity.

Photo: Two Kennedy Elementary School student records the results of her science experiment. student inspects a piece of celery during a science activity. in Matanah Buoh’s class prep for a science activity.

Students in grades K-5 will study topics in the Earth, Life and Physical Sciences.  These students will continue learning through an instructional model called the 5 E’s: Engage, Explore, Explain, Evaluate and Extend.  Kindergarten through fifth grade students will also participate in hands-on labs.  Sixth grade students will delve more into Earth Science.  In seventh and eighth grade, students will students Life Science and Physical Science, respectively.

Photo: A Kennedy Elementary School student records the results of her science experiment. student inspects a piece of celery during a science activity. in Matanah Buoh’s class prep for a science activity. prepares for a science experiment.

Photo: A Kennedy Elementary School student records the results of her science experiment. student inspects a piece of celery during a science activity. in Matanah Buoh’s class prep for a science activity. prepares for a science experiment.

For more information on the new science curriculum, contact the Curriculum and Professional Learning Department at 916-686-7757.

 

Spotlight Archives
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2008
September 19, 2008 - Stephanie Lopez-Cox returns to Elk Grove a “Golden Girl”
September 10, 2008 - Valley High School Students Get a Start on College
August 25, 2008 - Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School and Cosumnes Oaks High School Open
August 14, 2008 - Incoming 7th graders take a “Jump Start” into their school year
August 4, 2008 - EGUSD’s Math Initiative
July 14, 2008 - Parents and students grow and learn together at Partners Preschool
June 16, 2008 - EGUSD Goes Gold – Celebrating 50 Years of Educational Excellence
June 6, 2008 - Kaiser Permanente Rewards EGUSD Elementary students with perfect attendance with the gift of a two-wheel ride
May 30, 2008 - Sheldon High School Student Matthew King wins Elk Grove Auto Mall 2007/2008 Graduating Seniors Attendance Drive
May 20, 2008 - Harriet Eddy Middle School student wins pair of round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines
May 21, 2008 - Elk Grove Unified and the Elk Grove Education Association Celebrate the Day of the Teacher
May 6, 2008 - Elk Grove Unified School District’s 2008 Employees of the Year
April 28, 2008 - Sacramento County Educators Host Budget Forum at State Capital
April 16, 2008 - EGUSD Launches New Attendance Campaign Videos
April 4, 2008 - Winners selected for 3rd Annual Superintendent’s Art Contest
March 26, 2008 - Megaconference Jr. 2008 - Arthur C. Butler Students Take Their Voices to the World
March 17, 2008 - Elk Grove Unified Joins Call to Fix Governor’s Proposed Budget
March 4, 2008 - Elk Grove Unified Hosts Sacramento County Superintendents’ Press Conference on State Budget Cuts
Feb. 19, 2008 - 4th Annual High School Conference helps train the leaders of the future
Jan. 16, 2008 - Laguna Creek High School hosts ConnectEd Policy Site Visit
Jan. 02, 2008 - Senior Attendance Drive returns for second year

2007
Dec. 12, 2007 - John Ehrhardt Elementary students combine academics and community service
Dec. 03, 2007 - EGUSD’s Commitment to Service Learning Honored
Nov. 15, 2007 - Winners announced for No Excuses – Go to School Rhyme & Poster Contests
Nov. 13, 2007 - Veterans Day celebrated at Elk Grove Unified
Oct. 23, 2007 - Time of Remembrance Project and Website
Oct. 15, 2007 - Markofer Elementary offers “Donuts for Dads/Muffins for Moms"
Oct. 3, 2007 - EGUSD elementary schools participate in Walk to School Day
Sept. 18, 2007 - Options abound on new College and Career website

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