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Ryan's Math & Science
Curriculum and Programs
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:
Science Focus Highlights:
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Classroom instruction by C.U.
Engineering fellows
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Fully integrated science
laboratories
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Science Discovery Club, C.U. Science
Explorers programming, and MESA Girl’s Science Club
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Math and science specialist on staff
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Annual school-wide Science Expo and
Science Fair
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Partnership in planning with Exempla
Hospital
Math Focus Program Includes:
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Blocked time for mathematical study
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Chef’s Laboratory
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Chess Club
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Advanced algebra and math
programming
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Family math nights
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Summer math learning opportunities
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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.
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