Curriculum patterns in science vary from state to state, and school districts with the states. In this activity your task is to compare curriculum patterns of two school districts in your state. In order to do this, you will have to obtain copies of the science curriculum guide from two school districts. You can obtain these by contacting the district's administrative office, or the science coordinator.

Materials

Curriculum guides from two school districts

Curriculum patterns chart (see below)

Procedures

1. List the overall goals of the science curriculum of the districts you are investigating.

2. Identify the curriculum for the elementary, middle/junior high and high school grades by completing the chart below.

Minds On Strategies

1. How do the patterns compare? Are there similarities between the two districts? What are the differences?

2. Are there any differences in the stated goals that give you insight into each district's philosophy of science education?

3. To what extent is the layer cake model of science curriculum implemented in these districts?