Science Will Be More Than Formulas and Experiments

Students and parents will see changes over the next two years in the Ankeny Community School District’s science curriculum following a decision by the Board of Education.

The board approved a new district-wide science curriculum at its that will focus more on reading and writing and less on lectures and textbooks.

“The teacher is still driving the bus, but students will be much more actively engaged in their learning instead of just taking notes,” said Susie Meade, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “No matter what the content area, we will make sure there are opportunities for them to be involved in reading and writing.”

The changes are part of a complete K-12 curriculum overhaul started by the district at the beginning to the 2008-09 school year. It also approved changes to both the physical education curriculum and the health curriculum.

The changes in the science curriculum will occur in two phases. Grades 6-12 will switch this year and grades K-5 will switch in 2012-13, although the elementary will be testing out the new curriculum this year to determine the best way to implement it in the lower grades.

The biggest difference students and parents will notice is the addition of supplemental books and non-fiction reference materials to classes.

“We’ll just be emphasizing students can be good readers and writers through the learning of science,” Meade said.

More honors classes will be offered over the next two years as well. Earth and space science and life science will be added in 2011-12 for grades 6-7.  Classes including biology, chemistry and environmental science will be added at the high school level in 2012-13.