High School Science

A strong high school science program will develop science literate students that are career and/or college ready with the 21st Century skills required to make informed decisions about the complex challenges that face societies.

Bend-La Pine Schools requires three years of high school science for graduation. Those students attending college should consider four science credits. Freshman and sophomores take foundational science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science or Physics) that provide opportunities for different academic pathways during their junior and senior years. There are opportunities for standard science courses, as well as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Dual-Credit. The core science courses also prepare students for Career and Technical Education (CTE).

All science courses are aligned with the Oregon State adopted Next Generation Science Standards. The NGSS incorporates Disciplinary Core Ideas (content) and Crosscutting Concepts of different science domains with the Science and Engineering Practice. Students learn critical thinking skills necessary to more deeply understand the science content and concepts through the Science and Engineering Practices below:

• Asking questions and defining problems
• Developing and using models
• Planning and carrying out investigations
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Using mathematics and computational thinking
• Constructing explanations and designing solutions
• Engaging in argument from evidence
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

For more information:

• Oregon Department of Education Science Overview
• High School School (9-12) NGSS for Parents Guide
• Guía para los padres de los estudiantes desde el 9° hasta el 12° grado

---

Common Supplementary Materials

Teachers may supplement the science program with the following materials. This list is not exhaustive and may change as new resources are produced:

• Gizmos by Explore Learning
• PHeT Simulations
  
• Discovery Science
  
• CK12