Science
Our science program grows with students as they build curiosity, skills, and understanding over time. From hands-on exploration in elementary school to critical thinking and real-world applications in middle school, and advanced, specialized study in high school, students are supported at every stage. See below for a detailed breakdown of each grade band.
K-5
Science 21© is an integrated K–5 science curriculum developed at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES and designed by teachers for teachers. Aligned with the New York State Science Learning Standards, it engages students in making sense of scientific phenomena through the Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts.
The program emphasizes student-directed investigations connected to everyday experiences, combining hands-on and minds-on learning while naturally integrating ELA, math, and social studies. Science 21© includes grade-specific kits and professional development to support instruction.
The curriculum is vertically and horizontally aligned, with concepts building across units and grade levels. Students complete three units in grades K–2 and four units in grades 3–5, covering physical science, earth and space science, life science, and engineering through developmentally appropriate experiences.
Unlike programs with unrelated units, Science 21© provides a coherent, intentional sequence that fully addresses the NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards without gaps. Core ideas are revisited throughout the program to reinforce and deepen student understanding.
6-8
OpenSciEd is a modern science program designed to help all students succeed as curious thinkers and problem solvers. Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, the curriculum engages students in learning science by exploring real-world phenomena and working collaboratively to make sense of how the world works.
Rather than memorizing facts, students actively investigate questions, analyze data, and build understanding over time. Through hands-on and discussion-based learning, students:
-
Explore scientific ideas through investigation and discovery
-
Collaborate with classmates to develop and refine their thinking
-
Ask questions, solve problems, and use evidence to explain their ideas
In OpenSciEd classrooms, teachers guide and support learning as students follow connected “storylines” that link lessons together into meaningful learning experiences. This approach helps students deepen understanding while developing critical thinking and communication skills.
OpenSciEd’s middle school program has earned the highest rating from EdReports, recognizing its strong alignment to current science standards and its ability to engage all learners in high-quality science instruction.
9-12
High school science courses use the New Visions for Public Schools curriculum, a modern, inquiry-based program aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Designed to support deep understanding, the curriculum engages students in learning science through real-world phenomena and hands-on investigation.
Lessons follow the research-based 5E instructional model — Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate — guiding students as they build knowledge through questioning, experimentation, and reflection. Students actively participate in lab investigations, analyze data, and apply scientific concepts to real-world situations.
Key features of the program include:
-
Learning centered on real-world scientific phenomena
-
Hands-on laboratory experiences and collaborative learning
-
Opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication
-
High-quality instructional materials that support consistent and engaging instruction
Because New Visions is an open educational resource, teachers can adapt lessons to meet students’ needs while maintaining strong alignment with current science standards.