Scope and Sequence Models for Science Literacy
Prepared by the NH Education and Environment Team
The NH Frameworks for Science Literacy (Sep 2006) serve as a guide for curriculum development in the state’s K–12 schools. Teachers are encouraged to use the frameworks to develop a sequence for teaching key concepts or themes that lead their students through a progression of steps designed to increase their knowledge and understanding of a specific topic from grade to grade. Ideally, the skills necessary for later learning are introduced and practiced in the early grades. Basic content is then introduced, with an increasing level of knowledge and complexity added to the subject each succeeding year. Finally, in the higher grades, teachers give students opportunities to apply their knowledge through the exploration of complex issues and integration of concepts.
NHEET developed three scope and sequence models as examples of how vertical integration can be accomplished. The models are based on three universal science themes covered in most New Hampshire schools and commonly taught at several different grade levels:
• Atmosphere, weather and climate
• Water and watersheds
• Ecosystems and habitats
The models use activities from Projects Learning Tree, WET, WILD, and HOME; and protocols and activities from the GLOBE Program. Additionally, process-oriented Project HOME affords an opportunity for synthesizing prior learning through wildlife habitat enhancement projects.
Download the Scope and Sequence Models for Building Vertical Literacy.
