Science
All Colfax students have the opportunity to utilize our Science Lab on a regular basis! Classes go to the Science Lab with their teachers to conduct experiments, engage in the scientific method and access the FOSS materials. We have a full time Science Lab Assistant who assists the teachers in lesson preparation and execution. PACE funds this staff member as well as supplies for experiments and veterinary care for the many animals who live in the Lab. Currently an iguana, leopard gecko, many fish and various other creatures call the Science Lab home. Students often find their way to Ms. Leila in the Lab when they find an insect or rock that needs to be examined.
Colfax is also lucky to have a fully functioning Farm and Garden. This allows for unique, hands-on learning experiences in science related activities.
As we transition into the https://www.nextgenscience.org/ (NGSS), student have more opportunity to explore the disciplinary core ideas (content), scientific and engineering practices, and cross-cutting concepts.
THE THREE DIMENSIONS OF SCIENCE LEARNING
Within the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), there are three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science. These dimensions are combined to form each standard—or performance expectation—and each dimension works with the other two to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time.
Crosscutting Concepts
Crosscutting Concepts help students explore connections across the four domains of science, including Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design.
When these concepts, such as “cause and effect”, are made explicit for students, they can help students develop a coherent and scientifically-based view of the world around them.
Science and Engineering Practices
Science and Engineering Practices describe what scientists do to investigate the natural world and what engineers do to design and build systems. The practices better explain and extend what is meant by “inquiry” in science and the range of cognitive, social, and physical practices that it requires. Students engage in practices to build, deepen, and apply their knowledge of core ideas and crosscutting concepts.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) are the key ideas in science that have broad importance within or across multiple science or engineering disciplines. These core ideas build on each other as students progress through grade levels and are grouped into the following four domains: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering.
Colfax Charter students enter the Los Angeles County Science Olympiad competition each year. A selection of 4th-5th graders are coached by Ms. Simon, Ms. Alexander and North Hollywood High School students. Students learn to work as a team and practice for this big event. Our Colfax team has brought home many Gold and Silver medals from this competition!
