Science (K-5)

The goal of K-5 science in District 97 is to nurture curiosity and help students build a strong foundation for understanding the natural and designed world. Science instruction is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science, reflected in the Next Generation Science Standards, which emphasize both scientific knowledge and the ways students think and work as scientists and engineers. Through hands-on investigations, observation, discussion, modeling and problem-solving, students explore ideas across physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering. Most importantly, students learn to ask questions, use evidence, recognize patterns and explain the world around them.

Curricular Resources (K-5):

Adapted from What is FOSS? and FOSS Conceptual Frameworks

District 97 utilizes Full Option Science System (FOSS) as the K-5 core science curricular resource. The best way for students to appreciate the scientific enterprise, learn important scientific and engineering concepts, and develop the ability to think well is to actively participate in scientific practices through their own investigations and analyses. The FOSS Program was created specifically to provide students and teachers with meaningful experiences through engaging with this active participation in scientific practices.

The FOSS Program has conceptual structure at the module and course level. FOSS has elaborated learning progressions for core ideas in science for kindergarten through grade 8. Developing learning progressions involves successively identifying more sophisticated ways of thinking about core ideas over multiple years. The modules and courses are organized into three domains: physical science, earth science, and life science. Each domain is divided into two strands, which represent a core scientific idea: matter/energy and change; dynamic atmosphere/rocks and landforms; and structure and function/complex systems.

Science (6-8)

The goal of 6-8 science in District 97 is to deepen students’ scientific understanding and strengthen their ability to think, investigate, and problem-solve like scientists and engineers. Science instruction is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science, reflected in the Next Generation Science Standards, with an emphasis on integrating scientific knowledge with Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts. Across physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering, students develop and use models, analyze data, construct evidence-based explanations, design solutions, and make connections across scientific ideas. Most importantly, students develop the skills to apply scientific thinking to complex questions, real-world phenomena, and informed decision-making.

Mission Statement

Curricular Resources (6-8):

District 97 utilizes two science resources for grades 6-8. Amplify Science is implemented as the primary instructional resource and Argument Driven Inquiry is incorporated as a supplemental resource to complement, enrich, or extend the content.

Amplify Science

Amplify Science is a phenomenon-based science resource that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. 

Argument Driven Inquiry

Argument Driven Inquiry (ADI) includes investigations or design challenges that give students an opportunity to learn how to use the core ideas and practices of one or more STEM disciplines to understand how or why something happens to develop a solution to a problem. Students develop disciplinary-based literacy skills as they read and evaluate information, communicate and critique ideas, and write.