The project began in June of 1995, when each member district completed a vision mission survey answering questions about what students should know in science, what needed to be changed in science curriculums, and what teachers needed to do to make change. From this information, a vision statement was developed which envisions science classrooms that foster learning environments where all students learn the skills, knowledge and habits of the mind to become independent and collaborative inquirers, problem solvers, and self-directed learners in their present and future lives. While working through the fall of 1995, the teachers developed a K-6 Scope and Sequence based on unifying themes. All topics covered throughout the year in each grade level will relate to the umbrella theme. Lessons developed in each unit balance content with process.
Students work from a base of background knowledge and then become scientists.
They are encouraged to plan and conduct their own investigations to answer the questions they generate. All units also have a standard format containing assessment and integration strategies built into them. To date, Putnam Valley has remained involved with theme, unit and lesson development. It has taken a year to develop the first introductory units for each grade level. Time may be allotted this summer and next fall to continue development of the remaining lessons.