Science

WCPS SCIENCE VISION: All WCPS students have the right to confidently engage with science. Inquiry-based instruction ignites curiosity, fosters critical thinking, and encourages deep scientific understanding. Through a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and innovation, students are empowered to be responsible citizens, equipped to improve their local and global communities.

The Office of K-12 Science supports the curriculum, assessment, staff and resources for the science programs in grades K – 12 as well as the William H. Brish Planetarium and the Claud E. Kitchens Outdoor School (Fairview Outdoor School).

The Washington County Public Schools science curriculum uses the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MDCCRS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The curriculum includes grade-specific standards that balance science understanding and procedural skill.  The science curriculum includes the integration of the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards. The Next Generation Science Standards span all grade levels and describe ways in which students interact and engage with science.

The three dimensions include the Crosscutting Concepts, Science and Engineering Practices and Disciplinary Core Ideas. All three dimensions follow a conceptual progression of understanding beginning in the primary grades and becoming more sophisticated in the intermediate grades.

Safety in the Science Laboratory

Hands-on experiences are integral to student learning in science.
The Maryland Science Safety manual provides guidance to school systems to implement safer science practice in science laboratories.