District staff preview inquiry-based Lab-Aids for middle/high school science; elementary program to be boosted

District staff presented the annual science-curriculum review at the March 11 board meeting and outlined next steps before a formal April proposal.

The presenter said the curriculum-review process uses a rubric developed with teachers to identify “must-haves” such as claims-evidence-reasoning, inquiry-based learning and standards alignment. She told trustees, “we want inquiry based. We want kids to have materials in their hands. We don't want to be learning out of a book,” explaining that Lab-Aids offers per-unit kits and online lab videos teachers can use to catch students up after absences.

Staff described Lab-Aids as NGSS-aligned and roughly “66% hands-on,” with unit kits sized for class populations and online labs to support missed work. High-school staff noted Lab-Aids covers NGSS and can be adapted where additional physical-science units are needed.

Elementary teachers would largely keep Mystery Science but staff proposed adding inquiry-focused supplements and a science notebook routine to bridge toward middle-school expectations. Instructional coaches were credited with aiding pilot work and teacher preparation.

The presenter said she would return in April with final quotes and a recommendation for board consideration and asked trustees to review the shared materials before the next meeting.