The purpose of the science program in St. Cloud Area School District 742, is scientific literacy for all students. Therefore, all students, regardless of gender, cultural background, disabilities, aspirations or interest and motivation, will have the opportunity to achieve literacy in science. This will occur in a variety of ways, and individual students will achieve different degrees of depth and breadth of understanding depending on interest and ability.

It is our belief that science is an active process. Learning science is something that students do, not something that is done to them. "Hands-on" activities are essential but not sufficient. Students must have "minds-on" experiences as well. Science is more than a process in which students learn such skills as observing, inferring and experimenting. Inquiry is also essential in learning science. This involves asking questions, collecting data, constructing explanations, testing those explanations and communicating ideas to others. Fundamentals to science literacy are: critical and logical thinking, the commitment to systematic investigation, the consideration of alternative explanations from diverse perspectives and connection to everyday life experiences. Students actively develop their understanding of science by combining scientific knowledge with reasoning and thinking skills while practicing the processes of science.

To achieve the above purpose, all students must have skilled teachers, adequate classroom time for science, a variety of learning materials that include current and emerging technology, appropriate work spaces and access to the surrounding community. Responsibility of providing this support falls on everyone involved with the education system, especially at the school, local community and state levels.

1. The program meets the Minnesota Graduation Standards.

2. The program is inclusive of all students and their rates of learning and ensures that all students have the opportunity to be successful in learning science.

3. The program is integrated with other subject areas.

4. The program teaches science skills that can be applied to students’ personal experiences and everyday life.

5. The program ensures that all students have the opportunity to be successful in learning science despite their diverse skills and needs.

6. The program includes science instruction, which is connected to applications in technology and to its implications in society.

7. The program addresses the three basic scientific fields: life, physical and earth/space sciences and develops connections among them.

8. The program develops the processes of science through numerous opportunities for students’ interest using hands-on experiences.

9. The program emphasizes depth rather than breadth.

10. The program utilizes authentic assessment.

11. The program employs key concepts of science to explain occurrences and make informed decisions.

12. The program describes and applies science as a way of exploring and knowing.

13. The program uses scientific concepts and processes to make responsible decisions, (e.g., environmental stewardship, personal safety).

14. The program is well articulated in grades Pre-K through 12.

15. The program involves students in studying and planning for careers.

16. The program helps students develop the ability to use resources for inquiry and to report scientific findings.

17. The program includes effective professional development which is based on research and which has identified characteristics of good professional development programs.

18. The program enables students to distinguish between fact and theory.

19. The program emphasizes problem solving through the use of the scientific method.

20. The program provides opportunities to explore perspectives in scientific thinking and concepts.