Science

Welcome to the Sulphur Springs ISD Science Curriculum Page.

Our science classrooms are designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep understanding of the world through hands-on investigations and real-world connections. Instruction is guided by the 5E Lesson Plan Model and three-dimensional teaching practices, ensuring that students build a strong foundation in the TEKS and translate their learning into meaningful, everyday applications. 

What Curriculum Sources our District Utilizes:

• Grades K-12: TCMPC and SAVVAS 

What Your Student will Learn: 

In Kindergarten through 5th grade science, students explore the natural world through hands-on inquiry, making observations, forming hypotheses, and learning how scientific theories explain evidence. They study matter and its properties, force, motion, and energy, Earth and space, and organisms and environments, investigating everything from physical changes and magnetism to weather, celestial objects, and life cycles. Recurring themes like systems, patterns, and models help students make connections and understand how components interact within a system and with the environment.

In Grades 6–8 science, students build on prior knowledge and prepare for high school by exploring hands-on investigations across key areas. They practice scientific and engineering methods, asking questions, designing experiments, and using tools and models to solve problems. Students study matter and energy, force, motion, and energy, Earth and space, and organisms and environments, investigating everything from chemical reactions and waves to the universe, climate, and genetics. Recurring themes like systems, patterns, models, and structure and function help students make connections and understand how components interact within the natural world. Lessons emphasize inquiry, critical thinking, and applying evidence to explain phenomena.

In high school science, Texas students engage in courses such as Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), and Physics. These courses emphasize scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world applications. Students develop skills in planning and conducting investigations, analyzing data, and using models to explain natural phenomena. Key concepts include the study of matter and energy, force and motion, Earth and space systems, and the interdependence of organisms and their environments. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for college and careers by fostering problem-solving abilities and a deep understanding of scientific principles.

How We Teach Science:

At Sulphur Springs ISD, we teach science through a combination of the 5E lesson model and a three-dimensional (3D) instructional approach.

• 5E Lesson Plan Model 

• Engage: During the Engage phase, teachers help students connect to prior knowledge, spark curiosity, and identify gaps in understanding. Students ask questions, share observations, and express ideas, while teachers guide connections and encourage discussion.
• Explore: During the Explore phase, students investigate new concepts through hands-on activities like experiments and model-building, collaborating and discussing observations with peers. Teachers guide exploration, encourage problem-solving, ask probing questions, and support students as they test predictions and compare ideas.
• Explain: During the Explain phase, teachers guide a class discussion to highlight key ideas, clarify concepts, and build on student understanding. Students share observations, ask questions, and use evidence to explain their thinking while learning from peers.
• Elaborate: During the Elaborate phase, students apply their learning by exploring real-world scenarios, forming new hypotheses, or sharing their understanding with peers. Teachers guide connections, ask questions, and encourage students to extend and apply concepts in meaningful ways.
• Evaluate: During the Evaluate phase, teachers assess student understanding through quizzes, projects, discussions, and other tools, while students reflect on their own learning and provide feedback to peers. This phase ensures key concepts are understood and progress is monitored.

• 3-Dimensional Instructional Model

Sulphur Springs ISD uses a three-dimensional (3D) science instructional model, which intentionally integrates three key dimensions:

• Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs)
   
• Disciplinary Content (TEKS)
   
• Recurring Themes and Concepts (RTCs)
   

This approach ensures students use systems thinking and modeling to explain phenomena and provide context for new ideas, conduct investigations, solve problems, and engage in guided discussions. They also explore open-ended questions that focus on the strength of the evidence used to generate claims, helping them experience science as an interconnected world of inquiry and phenomena.

How We Track Progress: 

We support every student’s growth by regularly using formative assessments, performance assessments, end-of-unit common assessments, and STAAR simulation tests to monitor progress and provide targeted support.

How You Can Support at Home:

You can support your child’s science learning at home by exploring the natural world together. Spark curiosity with real-world examples—like condensation on a glass, insect life cycles, or changing weather—and encourage your child to ask questions, make observations, and investigate the world around them.

Free Science Resources for Home

• Real-Wold Phenomena Pictures and Videos - Have your child ask questions and make observations about the photos and videos of scientific phenomena found on this website. 
• Science Buddies - Science experiment ideas at home! 
• TEKS Guide - A resource designed to provide a consistent and clear interpretation of the science TEKS. It allows users to explore specific standards by grade level or course.
• National Geographic Kids - Offers a wealth of science content, including articles, videos, and games on topics like animals, space, and the environment
• NASA Space Place for Kids! - Engages students with interactive games, articles, and activities about space and Earth science, designed for upper-elementary learners.
• PHeT Simulations - PhET Interactive Simulations is a free, research-based platform developed by the University of Colorado Boulder. It offers over 125 interactive simulations across subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and mathematics. 

"All links have been reviewed for educational use, but we always recommend supervising your child’s use of any website."