Grades 6-8
In 2018-19, PUSD implemented the Integrated Course Model in grades 6-8 science based on input from science teachers and principals. The Integrated Course Model is the preferred progression by California as it interweaves science disciplines in a developmentally appropriate progression. In each grade, an overarching guiding concept creates a storyline of units sequenced in increasing complexity and detail. Each unit centers on questions about real-world phenomena, which engage students in the science and engineering practices and Crosscutting Concepts to learn about different Disciplinary Core Ideas. Summaries for these storylines are shown below.
Grade 6 Integrated Science
Guiding Concept: Systems within organisms and between them are adapted to Earth’s climate systems.
Storyline of Big Ideas:
Grade 7 Integrated Science
Guiding Concept: Natural processes and human activities cause energy to flow and matter to cycle through Earth systems.
Storyline of Big Ideas
Grade 8 Integrated Science
Guiding Concept: The processes that change Earth systems at different spatial scales today also caused changes in the past.
Storyline of Big Ideas:
