We believe the main focus of science instruction has shifted from "learning about" to "figuring out." At the anchor of every science unit, students are exploring puzzling phenomena and observable events in their world that lead them to discover relevant scientific ideas.
In MMUUSD, students are actively developing their science and engineering practices across units. They are not just constructing understanding of core concepts, they are also developing the habits that all scientists use. These science and engineering practices are lifelong skills that endure inside and beyond school.
- Investigating puzzling questions about our world through Inquiry
- Modeling to describe the way things work
- Communicating ideas supported with evidence
- Engineering to design solutions to problems
This way of teaching science enables students to:
- Develop a deeper understanding of science beyond memorizing facts,
- Connect science ideas to their everyday life and interests
- Experience engineering as they plan and test their solutions to problems