Policy 6142.93 - Science Instruction

The Board of Education believes that science education should focus on giving students an understanding of the biological and physical aspects of science, key scientific concepts, and methods of scientific inquiry and investigation through experiments and other activities that encourage critical thinking.   Students should become familiar with the natural world and the interrelationship of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering.  As part of science instruction, students should learn how to apply scientific knowledge and reasoning.  

 

Philosophical and religious theories that are based, at least in part, on faith and are not subject to scientific test and refutation shall not be discussed during science instruction.

 

The Board shall adopt academic standards for science that meet or exceed the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) and describe the knowledge and skills students are expected to possess at each grade level, with an instructional focus on understanding the process of science, the fundamental ideas within each discipline of science, and underlying themes that are common to all sciences.  The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that curricula used in district schools are aligned with these standards and the state curriculum framework.

 

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that students have access to and are enrolled in a broad course of study including science courses.

 

The Superintendent or designee shall provide certificated staff with opportunities to participate in professional development activities designed to enhance their knowledge of district-adopted academic standards, instructional strategies for teaching science, and changes in scientific theories.

 

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement appropriate safety measures for science laboratory classes in accordance with Board Rule 5142 – Safety,  including, but not limited to, staff and student safety training, use of eye safety devices, hearing protection, first aid procedures, regular equipment maintenance, safe use of heat sources, safe use and disposal of hazardous chemicals, proper ventilation, prevention of exposure to bloodborne pathogens from sharp instruments, fire prevention and control, an emergency response plan, and evacuation procedures.  Parents/guardians shall be informed of the types of science laboratory activities that will be conducted and encouraged to sign consent forms for their child’s participation.