Walled Lake Schools Science

Program Overview

Our science program provides challenging opportunities for students to build their understanding of the natural world and apply this understanding to designing solutions that solve problems. Our goal is that all students develop scientific reasoning to prepare them as informed citizens who are equipped for college and career success.

Science proceeds by asking and answering questions about measurable phenomena in order to make sense of the natural world. Scientists seek to describe its complexity, to explain its systems and events, and to find the patterns that allow for predictions. Science is the basis for the design of technologies that solve real-world problems.

From the establishment of the earliest human civilizations to the technologically advanced 21st century, scientific thinking and engineering solutions to problems has propelled humans forward. Scientific reasoning provides the ability to investigate questions, make and evaluate evidence-based arguments, and communicate models that explain and predict phenomena.

While not all students will become scientists or engineers, science and technology occupy ever-expanding places in our everyday lives. As citizens we are asked to make decisions about social issues that involve science and technology. Careers increasingly involve science and technology. In the 21st century, adults must be comfortable and competent in a complex, scientific, and technological world. Schools have the responsibility of preparing all students-regardless of their future aspirations-to be scientifically proficient.

The ultimate goal of science education is for all students to develop scientific reasoning so they may participate fully as citizens and contributors in our contemporary world.

In Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, our goal is to develop scientific reasoning and concepts in a manner that is challenging and supportive for all learners. We believe that all children can learn science, and we will do everything in our power to make sure this vision is realized.

The Michigan Science Standards call for development of scientific knowledge based on decades of research on how students learn science most effectively. This research indicates students need to be regularly engaged in “doing science” by using the same practices employed by scientists and engineers. Key concepts are developed with greater sophistication as students advance through the grades. Understanding is developed by engaging in Science and Engineering Practices and connecting to key overarching ideas (Crosscutting Concepts).

The K-12 Science and Engineering Practices, shown below, represent the ongoing behavior of students as they build understanding of core ideas.

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

2. Developing and using models

3. Planning and carrying out investigations

4. Analyzing and interpreting data

5. Using mathematics and computational thinking

6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

7. Engaging in argument from evidence

8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

The K-12 Crosscutting Concepts, shown below, are overarching themes that span multiple scientific disciplines and connect core disciplinary ideas.

1. Patterns

2. Cause and Effect

3. Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

4. Systems and System Models

5. Energy and Matter in Systems

6. Structure and Function

7. Stability and Change of Systems

Framework for K12 Science NGSS.pdf

A Framework for K-12 Science Education

K-12_Science_Performance_Expectations_v5_496901_7.pdf


Ellen McDonald

K-12 Math & Science Coordinator EllenMcDonald@wlcsd.org


Jennifer LaCross

K-12 Math & Science Instructional Coach jenniferlacross@wlcsd.org