Math and Science Focus School

What’s the difference between program and curriculum?

Investigations, standards, FOSS, curriculum…what does it all mean? On a national, state and local level, content standards have been developed for each content area. These standards outline what students should know, understand and be able to do in the subject area over the course of their K-12 education. Using those standards as a guide, curriculum is then developed. The goal of a curriculum is to develop a consistent continuum of learning from kindergarten through high school to ensure proficiency for all students. Programs are learning materials purchased to support the teaching and learning of important concepts and ideas. Programs such as Investigations for math and FOSS for science have been developed with standards in mind. These programs, simply put, help teachers deliver the curriculum to students.

Here’s just one example of how all these “things” work together to help your child learn. In Science, standard 4 states, “Students know and understand the structure, processes, interactions, and dynamics of the Earth and other objects in space.” In first grade the curriculum outlines that students will “explore components of rock mixtures, compare properties of rocks, identify ingredients in different soils and explore the sources humans use for gathering earth materials”. The program used to deliver this curriculum is FOSS Pebbles, Sand and Silt. Again in third grade, students study that standard in a more in-depth fashion and use the FOSS kit Earth Materials. This strand is again revisited in 5th grade as students use the FOSS kit Landforms to form the big picture of Earth processes.

Still want to know more? The following websites will give you a place to start and a wealth of information:

State standards and information can be found at:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_stnd.htm
Information on the FOSS program for science:
http://lhsfoss.org/introduction/index.html
Information on the Investigations program for math:
http://investigations.terc.edu/

Science Focus Highlights:

Classroom instruction by C.U. Engineering fellows
Fully integrated science laboratories
Science Discovery Club, C.U. Science Explorers programming, and MESA Girl’s Science Club
Math and science specialist on staff
Annual school-wide Science Expo and Science Fair
Partnership in planning with Exempla Hospital

Math Focus Program Includes:

Blocked time for mathematical study
Chef’s Laboratory
Chess Club
Advanced algebra and math programming
Family math nights
Summer math learning opportunities
School-wide math “Question of the Week”

Ryan’s Science Laboratories Come to Life

Beginning in 2005, Ryan’s math and science curriculum will be enhanced by a brand new Life, Physical and Earth Science Laboratory, complete with a kitchen area to serve as a Chef’s Lab. Additionally, Ryan will have a fully equipped Technology Innovation Laboratory just down the hall.

As a recipient of the Ronald McDonald House Charities funds, the Ryan Science Lab received an $18,400 grant to aid in the purchase of science equipment, science tools, and furniture.

The Life and Earth Science Lab has an adjoining greenhouse-solarium where different animal, plant and aquatic species will reside in terrariums and aquariums at kid-friendly eye level. The lab will also contain stain- and heat-resistant resin laboratory surfaced tables for the young scientists. Wet lab facilities include 3 sink stations and ample storage areas for projects and equipment.

The Chef’s Laboratory will aid students during mathematics units such as measurement and fractions as well as being utilized during chemistry and other scientific experimentation.

Ryan’s thirty- station Technology Innovation Laboratory contains all new McIntosh computer systems, each with a direct connection to the Internet. A host computer with projection capabilities allows Ryan students to receive instruction in a variety of subject areas in a group setting. A new SMART board will be available for math and science explorations.

The laboratory is stocked with a fully articulated K-5 technology curriculum and math and science programs that allow young scientists to probe different subject matter, perform data collection and graph results.

1405 Centaur Village Drive

Lafayette, CO 80026

Office: 303-665-3345 Fax: 303-665-9859 Attendance: 303-447-5487

www.ryanelementary.org

(Map)

Principal: Jim Armitage Email: jim.armitage@bvsd.org

Webmaster: Greg Lems Email: ryanwebmaster at comcast.net

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