Before the implementation of the new Science Tracks curriculum, DPS had never had a standarized curriculum for elementary schools.

Programs

Science Curriculum

DPS is in the process of transforming science education for our youngest students -- creating a pipeline of future scientists right here in Denver.

Denver Public Schools is implementing a new elementary school science program that equips DPS students with the tools they need to master science concepts. The goal is to raise student achievement in science, and spark students’ interest in science at an early age.

Never before had DPS had a standard curriculum for science at the elementary level. As a result, science education in the classroom had been inconsistent, leaving individual schools and teachers on their own to develop a curriculum, lesson plans, and teaching materials. The 2007 CSAP scores reflected this problem, with 75% of DPS students scoring below proficient in science.

The new curriculum—called Science Tracks—allows students to learn science in a hands-on way. Science Tracks comes with a resource kit for each classroom, containing student workbooks, teacher guides and all materials needed for each lesson. Students use the materials to conduct experiments and record results instead of just reading about science from a text book.

"The kids doing Science Tracks are motivated to learn and are catching on to the science concepts incredibly quickly. The hands-on materials and collaborative activities keep all the students engaged and excited about finding solutions to different problems."

Cathleen O'Quinn
Teacher, Barnum Elementary School

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