Science curriculum reviewed

District 88

discusses limitations, improvement plan for science program

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The District 88 School Board has approved the 1999-2000 curriculum review for the kindergarten through 12th grade science program. The action came at Thursday's meeting.

The mission of the science program is to help students explore and understand their world using scientific processes including inquiry and experimentation to formulate and communicate ideas.

After students have completed the program, they are expected to understand the contributions of science to culture; develop an awareness of careers in science; demonstrate a knowledge of vocabulary related to science; and use science tools and equipment.

Students are also expected to use scientific knowledge and processes to make decisions and solve problems; develop a sense of curiosity and appreciation of the universe; explore scientific trends; and formulate opinions using science.

Some of the strengths of the science program are hands-on experiences offered to lower elementary students; use of funding to purchase science materials; choice of electives in secondary science; smaller class sizes at the high school; high science scores; and availability of a science club.

During the review process, however, the staff discovered a variety of limitations, including a lack of storage space at the high school. One limitation is the need for more science-related field trips, which is a linked to budget concerns. One recommendation for improvement was to request additional funds for field trips, or to solicit sponsors or donations from private sectors.

Another limitation is the lack of sinks at Washington Elementary School. It was recommended that two rooms at each grade level be designated as science rooms and that they be plumbed for water.

Another limitation was the lack of participation at the Science Fair. Participation is not required at any level, and there is not enough encouragement for participation. It was recommended that students in at least one grade level be required to participate in the science fair.

"We are going to require participation at the third- grade level beginning next year," Science Curriculum Study Leader Virg Debban said. "New Ulm used to have a high achievement level at the fair, but interest dropped because too much work was involved. By requiring it, we hope it will encourage participation at higher levels."

Another limitation was a lack of textbooks at the middle school, which will be addressed during the next ordering cycle.

Another limitation was the lack of computer access for students enrolled in secondary science classes. It was recommended that the district develop mini labs for science.

Another limitation was the lack of hands-on science experiences at the high school. It was recommended that staff incorporate additional lab experience time.

Another limitation was the lack of an Earth and space science class at the high school, which will be added as funding allows.

"Another limitation is a lack of more supplies, but we understand limitations of the budget," Debban said.

At each level of elementary, students learn life science, physical science and Earth science. At seventh grade, students learn life science. In eighth grade, students learn Earth science. In ninth grade students learn composite science.

Biology is offered to students in grades 10-12; zoology is offered to juniors and seniors; field biology is offered to juniors and seniors; human anatomy and physiology is offered to juniors and seniors; chemistry is offered to students in grades 10-12; and physics is offered to juniors and seniors.

Students in elementary grades learn about parts of plants; how to classify living and nonliving organisms; and identify weather patterns and various features of the Earth.