Science

New Science standards were adopted by the state of Arizona in October of 2018. All grade levels and content areas in DVUSD utilize curriculum and resources that align to the Arizona Science Standards.

For more information regarding the Arizona State Science Standards, please visit the Arizona Department of Education website.

The  Arizona Science Standards serve as the basis for a district’s or school’s science curriculum, however they are not the curriculum. Therefore, identifying the sequence of instruction at each grade – what will be taught and for how long – requires concerted effort and attention at the local level. In DVUSD, the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Specialist oversees teams that create a curriculum for each grade level or content area.  

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Anatomy and Physiology

Biology

Chemistry

Earth Science

Environmental Science

Forensic Science

Marine Biology

Physics

The state Science assessment is called AzSCI.  The AzSCI assessment will be administered to students in Grades 5, 8, and 11 in the spring.  

• Students in grade 5 are assessed on standards from grades 3-5.
• Students in grade 8 are assessed on standards from grades 6-8.
• Students in grade 11 are assessed on the 28 essential high school standards.

For more information regarding this assessment, please visit the AZ Department of Education website.

DVUSD Science Assessments

District Science assessments consist of end-of-unit assessments that mimic the item types and format of the state assessment.

DVUSD Assessment Philosophy

Assessment is the systematic collection of data about student learning based on standards and the use of that data to create a continuous cycle of improved teaching and learning. The DVUSD learning community believes that assessment is for student learning, is student-centered, and involves a commitment by all stakeholders.

DVUSD Assessment Intent

District assessments are a part of an effective assessment system intended to determine both a current student performance level and a measure of the guaranteed and viable, standards-based curriculum implemented across the district. To inform instruction, measure student learning, and close achievement gaps, DVUSD endorses the use of diverse classroom assessment data, such as formative, summative, performance-based, portfolio, and student observation. Results are used in conjunction with district, state, and national assessment data to form a picture of student learning. DVUSD celebrates data indicators that provide opportunities for growth with the goal of providing an extraordinary educational experience for all students.

DVUSD Approach to Assessment

DVUSD’s approach to assessment includes appropriate periodicity within each content area and a focus on five measurement purposes:

• baseline (beginning level of knowledge prior to instruction)
• inform instruction (level of understanding throughout instruction)
• show content mastery (summative)
• gauge student growth (summary of learning attained over a period of time)
• predict success (expectation of future performance)

Advanced Placement Program 

The Advanced Placement Program is offered at all DVUSD high schools offering students college-level courses.  In Advanced Placement (AP) courses, students can earn college credit, placement, or both by qualifying AP exam scores that are taken in late spring of each year.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

CTE programs provide students the rigor and relevance needed to succeed in today’s global economy. Students are presented with opportunities to develop specialized skills while in high school and apply their academic knowledge in real world settings. CTE provides all students with cutting edge training and opportunities in their chosen program of study.  CTE programs are open to all students in Deer Valley Unified School District. If a student is traveling between two locations, the schedule must reflect travel time. CTE students can receive dual enrollment college credit for many CTE courses.  The CTE internship provides on the job experience and valuable industry networking. In addition to the many CTE programs available at all DVUSD campuses, a variety of additional CTE programs are also offered at off-site locations through West-MEC.

Learn more about Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs.

Certificate of Academic Distinction

Offered at Boulder Creek High School, the Certificate of Academic Distinction provides students with the opportunity to showcase their academic excellence and dedication. The certification is awarded upon graduation with their diploma and serves as an indication of their academic excellence and college-preparatory course load throughout their high school career.  Students begin college preparatory coursework in their freshmen year and continue through advanced placement and dual enrollment coursework in their senior year. This program also contains an independent interdisciplinary senior thesis project. 

Certificate of Global Studies

 Offered at Boulder Creek High School, the Certificate of Global Studies provides students with opportunity to foster their global awareness.  This certificate is awarded upon graduation with their diploma and serves as an indication of their dedication to broadening the scope of their education. Students participate in activities and experiences that increase their communication skills in languages other than English, knowledge of geography, political and economic influences of the global marketplace, and their ability to recognize common interests that cut across cultural borders.

Aspire Online Learning Academy

Deer Valley Unified School District offers online courses for students to earn credit towards graduation.   Students will communicate with teachers primarily through message boards, discussion boards or phone calls. See your guidance counselor or visit the Aspire website for a course list.

Dual Enrollment AGEC (Arizona General Education Curriculum)

Dual Enrollment AGEC consists of 35-38 semester credit hours that fulfill lower-division general education requirements for students planning to transfer to any Arizona public community college or university. Students take dual enrollment classes and earn both high school and college credit concurrently.  AGEC then transfers as a block and guarantees acceptance to all public AZ universities. Students who complete their General Education requirements ahead of time can enter the university as sophomores.  This provides the foundation for students to build on in working towards an Associates or Bachelor’s degree.  There are three types of AGECs designed to articulate with different majors.  All three share the basic framework; however, the AGEC-S, which aligns with majors involving Math and Science, requires some additional credits in those areas. 

Honors Program 

Honors courses provide an in-depth study and are designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses.  Teacher recommendation, grades and test scores are considered for eligibility in the course.  Check with your student’s counselor for placement guidelines.

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognized course of study. It is designed for highly motivated students interested in a rigorous academic program. Students with excellent grades, high test scores, and a strong work ethic are good candidates for IB.  This program is offered at Barry Goldwater High School.  However, students from the entire Deer Valley Unified School District may attend on open enrollment.

Learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. 

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an internationally recognized program designed for students aged 11 to 16. The program provides a framework of learning which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in core subjects and to the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding, and global engagement, qualities that are essential for life in the 21st century. All freshmen and sophomores enrolled at Barry Goldwater High School will participate in the program. 

Learn more about the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

Adopted Resources are materials for teachers and students that support learning of the science standards in a particular grade level or course of study.  All Deer Valley USD adopted resources are research-based and have been selected through a multi-stage process that involves teachers, parents, community members, and administrators.  Adoption committee members examine materials submitted to determine their alignment to science standards/concepts, learning experiences, depth of learning, accessibility for diverse student needs, and scientific literacy before submitting selections to the Governing Board for approval.

Adopted Curriculum Resource Materials for K-6 Science

            

A combination of materials has been curated to support the curriculum for our K-6 learners including: 

• Mystery Science (K-5)
• Picture Perfect (K-4)
• Stemscopes (5th grade)
• Science A-Z (6th grade)
• Curated open education resources 

           

Adopted resources for all 7-12

• ExploreLearning Gizmos
• Data Nuggets
• PhET interactives

Adopted resources for Grades 7-8 Science:

• 7th and 8th grade - CK-12 Middle School Flexbooks
• 7th grade - OpenSci Ed kits

Adopted High School Science Resources:

Resource	Vendor	Content Areas
Pivot Interactives	Pivot Interactives	all HS Science courses
CK-12	CK-12	Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics (Gen Ed and Honors)
Diablo Highway	LearnEngines	Forensics
Marine Science	McGraw Hill	Marine Biology
Campbell Biology	Savvas	AP Biology
Environment: The Science Behind the Stories	Savvas	AP Environmental Science
Environmental Science: Your World, Your Turn	Savvas	Environmental Science and Honors
OpenStax	OpenStax	Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy (for Earth Science), Biology 2e, Biology for AP Courses, Chemistry 2e, Chemistry: Atoms First 2e, Concepts of Biology, Physics (High School), College Physics for AP Courses
Georgia Virtual		Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, AP Biology, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Environmental Science, Forensics

Graduation Requirements  

Three credits of science that prepare students for the state assessment are required for graduation.  Starting with the Class of 2023, students must take courses that include 28 essential standards designated in the 2018 Arizona Science Standards by the end of their Junior year.  Deer Valley Unified School District has created course pathways for students to ensure they receive instruction in the essential standards.  Course offerings vary by campus, please contact your student's home school to receive a list specific to their campus.

Arizona University Requirements

Three credits of high school lab Science one year each from three of the following:  Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics  (an  integrated Science or an advanced Science may be substituted for one required course).

   Availability of courses varies by campus

ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY  

This is a lab-oriented course that deals with the structure and function of the major human body systems.  This course is aligned with BIO 160 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies. 

GRADE:  11-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Biology

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: HS.P1U1.3, HS.P1U3.4, HS.P4U1.8, HS.L1U1.20, HS.L2U1.21, HS.L1U1.22, HS.L1U3.23, HS.L3U1.24, HS.L3U1.25, HS.L3U3.26, HS.L4U1.28 

BIOLOGY  

This lab course concentrates on the study of living organisms. Labs are designed to investigate objectives presented in class.  

GRADE:  9-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: 

HS.P1U1.2, HS.P1U1.3, HS.P4U1.8, HS.P4U3.9, HS.L2U3.18, HS.L2U1.19, HS.L1U1.20, HS.L2U1.21, HS.L1U1.22, HS.L1U3.23, HS.L3U1.24, HS.L3U1.25, HS.L3U3.26, HS.L4U1.27, HS.L4U1.28

BIOLOGY H  

This lab course will cover in-depth topics such as cell structure, genetics and ecology. Labs are designed to improve student skills and research projects are required.  This course meets the requirement for graduation of one Lab Science being Biology.

GRADE:  9-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Placement Criteria

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: 

HS.P1U1.2, HS.P1U1.3, HS.P4U1.8, HS.P4U3.9, HS.L2U3.18, HS.L2U1.19, HS.L1U1.20, HS.L2U1.21, HS.L1U1.22, HS.L1U3.23, HS.L3U1.24, HS.L3U1.25, HS.L3U3.26, HS.L4U1.27, HS.L4U1.28

CHEMISTRY

This lab class will study the composition of materials. Areas covered include the basic structure of atoms, how atoms combine to produce molecules, and how symbols and formulas are used to write chemical equations.

GRADE:  10-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Biology and Algebra 1-2

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: HS.P1U1.1, HS.P1U1.2, HS.P1U1.3, HS.P1U3.4, HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P4U1.8, HS.P4U3.9, HS.P4U1.10, HS.E2U1.15

CHEMISTRY H

This advanced-level lab course includes a more detailed study of concepts and a heavier emphasis on mathematics. It concentrates on the theoretical explanation of materials.  This course is aligned with CHM 130 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies. 

GRADE:  10-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Biology and Algebra 1-2

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: 

HS.P1U1.1, HS.P1U1.2, HS.P1U1.3, HS.P1U3.4, HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P4U1.8, HS.P4U3.9, HS.P4U1.10, HS.E2U1.15

EARTH SCIENCE

This laboratory class is designed to introduce students to the foundations of Earth Sciences. Students will study erosion, plate tectonics, meteorology, astronomy, and the geologic timescale

GRADE:  10-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: 

HS.P1U1.1, HS.P1U3.4, HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P3U2.7, HS.P4U3.9, HS.P4U1.10, HS.E1U1.11, HS.E1U1.12, HS.E1U1.13, HS.E1U3.14, HS.E2U1.15, HS.E2U1.16, HS.E2U1.17

EARTH SCIENCE H

This laboratory class analyzes and describes Earth’s interconnected systems and how they are changing due to natural processes and human influence. Topics covered include rocks, minerals, sculpting of Earth’s surface, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, geologic history, the atmosphere, weather, climate, the solar system, stars, and galaxies.

GRADE:  10-12     LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1     

PREREQUISITE: passes Biology or Biology H

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: 

HS.P1U1.1, HS.P1U3.4, HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P3U2.7, HS.P4U3.9, HS.P4U1.10, HS.E1U1.11, HS.E1U1.12, HS.E1U1.13, HS.E1U3.14, HS.E2U1.15, HS.E2U1.16, HS.E2U1.17

HONORS EARTH SCIENCE (accelerated course)

This laboratory class analyzes and describes Earth’s interconnected systems and how they are changing due to natural processes and human influence.  This course is designed to assist students who wish to take an AP or Dual enrollment course in their Junior year meet the essential standards for Earth and Space Science.  

GRADE: 9-11         LENGTH: Semester      CREDIT: 0.5               

PREREQUISITE: None   

This course meets the following Arizona essential standards: HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P3U2.7, HS.P4U3.9, HS.P4U1.10, HS.E1U1.11, HS.E1U1.12, HS.E1U1.13, HS.E2U1.15, HS.E2U1.16, HS.E2U1.17     

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

This is an applied lab science based on experimentation and observation.  Students are expected to solve environmental problems that relate to resource depletion, pollution, and extinction.  This science takes a global perspective, focusing on both developed and developing countries.  This course is aligned to BIO 105 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies.

GRADE:  11-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Biology/Biology H plus one other high school lab science 

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: 

HS.P1U1.1, HS.P1U3.4, HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P3U2.7, HS.P4U1.10, HS.E1U1.11, HS.E1U1.12, HS.E1U1.13, HS.E1U3.14, HS.E2U1.15, HS.E2U1.16, HS.E2U1.17, HS.L3U3.26, HS.L4U1.27

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE H

This is an advanced-level applied lab science based on experimentation and observation.  Students are expected to solve environmental problems that relate to resource depletion, pollution, and extinction.  This science takes a global perspective, focusing on both developed and developing countries.  This course is aligned to BIO 105 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies.

GRADE:  11-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Biology/Biology H plus one other high school lab science 

The course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: 

HS.P1U1.1, HS.P1U3.4, HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P3U2.7, HS.P4U1.10, HS.E1U1.11, HS.E1U1.12, HS.E1U1.13, HS.E1U3.14, HS.E2U1.15, HS.E2U1.16, HS.E2U1.17, HS.L3U3.26, HS.L4U1.27

FORENSIC SCIENCE

This lab course concentrates on the application of science to civil and criminal laws that are enforced by law enforcement agencies in a criminal justice system.  Labs are designed to collect and analyze evidence.  Some material presented in this class is of a sensitive nature and may be difficult for some individuals.  Student discretion is advised. 

GRADE:  11-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Biology/Biology H plus one other high school lab science

This course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: HS.P1U1.3, HS.P1U3.4, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P3U2.7, HS.P4U1.10, HS.L3U1.24 

PHYSICS  

This course is a laboratory-oriented scientific investigation of mechanics, heat, optics, sound, light, electromagnetism, nuclear energy, and atomic structure. 

GRADE:  10-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Two years of high school lab science, have taken or are concurrently enrolled in Algebra 3-4

This course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P3U2.7, HS.P4U1.8, HS.P4U3.9, HS.E2U1.16 

PHYSICS H (BCHS, BGHS, MRHS, OCHS)

This course is a lab science that an integration of the conceptual approach and mathematical bases presentation of Newtonian Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Oscillatory Motion, Sound, Electricity and Light Energy. The emphasis is on implementation of problem solving skill, lab skills and understanding.  This course is aligned to PHY 101 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies.

GRADE:  10-12 LENGTH:  Year CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  Two years of high school lab science, have taken or are concurrently enrolled in Algebra 3-4

This course meets the following Arizona Essential Standards: HS.P2U1.5, HS.P3U1.6, HS.P3U2.7, HS.P4U1.8, HS.P4U3.9, HS.E2U1.16 

Course availability varies by campus

AP  BIOLOGY

This is a lab-oriented course for students who have demonstrated achievement in biology and chemistry and desire to do college-level work.  Enrolled students are expected to take the AP exam.  This course is aligned to BIO 101 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies.

GRADE:  11-12     LENGTH:  Year     CREDIT:  1   

PREREQUISITE:  passed Biology/Biology H

RECOMMENDED: Chemistry or Chemistry H

AP CHEMISTRY  

This lab course is for students who wish to pursue a college level chemistry course. This course follows the Advanced Placement Chemistry Program. The lab work includes exercises in both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Enrolled students are expected to take the AP exam.  This course is aligned to CHM 151/152 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies.
GRADE:  11-12     LENGTH:  Year     CREDIT:  1    

PREREQUISITE:  Passed Chemistry/Chemistry H, have taken or concurrently enrolled in Algebra 3-4 or Algebra 3-4 H

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

This is a lab-oriented course for students who have demonstrated achievement in their two previous years of science and the desire to do college-level work.  Enrolled students are expected to take the AP exam.  This course is aligned to BIO 105 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies.
GRADE:  11-12     LENGTH:   Year     CREDIT:  1    

PREREQUISITE:  Passed Biology/Biology H plus one other high school lab science

AP PHYSICS 1

This course is a laboratory oriented scientific investigations course that focuses on inquiry-based instruction and in-depth exploration of the following topics:  Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound.  It will also introduce electric circuits. Enrolled students are expected to take the AP exam.  This course is aligned to PHY 111/112 at the community college and is available for dual enrollment credit at some sites.  Community college tuition applies.

GRADE:  11-12     LENGTH:   Year     CREDIT:  1    

PREREQUISITE:  Enrollment in Algebra 3-4 and Physics or Placement Criteria

AP PHYSICS 2

This course is a laboratory oriented scientific investigations course that focuses on inquiry-based instruction and in-depth exploration of the following topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electric force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.  Enrolled students are expected to take the AP exam.

GRADE:  11-12    LENGTH:   Year     CREDIT:  1    

PREREQUISITE:  Passed AP Physics 1, Algebra 3-4 or Algebra 3-4 H

AP PHYSICS C

The AP Physics C: Mechanics course explores concepts such as kinematics; Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. The class includes hands-on laboratory work and in-class activities to investigate phenomena and uses calculus to solve problems.

GRADE:  11-12     LENGTH:   Year     CREDIT:  1   

PREREQUISITE:  Calculus AB (OR CONCURRENTLY ENROLLED)

                                 

International Baccalaureate Sciences (BGHS)

IB BIOLOGY HL

This course will enable students to develop an understanding of the interactions among levels of organisms as functioning entities within the Biosphere. Students must take the Pre-IB Biology as well as the Pre-IB Chemistry to be eligible for the IB standard or higher level exams.

GRADE:  11, 12     LENGTH:  1 or 2 Years     CREDIT:  1-2

PREREQUISITE:  IB Prep coursework/Biology H/Chemistry H 

IB CHEMISTRY SL

This course will familiarize students with the principles of chemistry and methods of chemical inquiry. The students will develop the ability to analyze chemical statements critically.
GRADE:  11     LENGTH:  1 Year     CREDIT:  1

PREREQUISITE:  IB Prep coursework/Chemistry (Regular or H)

IB PHYSICS HL

This course is a laboratory oriented scientific investigation of mechanics, energy, waves, light, optics, electricity, magnetism  and nuclear physics in year one and rotational dynamics, frictional forces, applied waves (electromagnetic, optic) nuclear physics, and relativity in year two.  Enrolled students may take the AP exam after year two. 

GRADE:  11, 12     LENGTH:  1 or 2 Years     CREDIT:  1-2

PREREQUISITE:  IB Prep coursework/Algebra 3-4/Precalculus H for year two/Chemistry H

Learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.

• Experience hands-on activities in forensics, disease research, prosthetics, and medical disaster drills.
• Use cutting-edge technology to design innovative solutions for today’s most pressing health challenges.
• Design, conduct, and analyze a wide range of scientific experiments to solve medical mysteries.

Learn more about the CTE Bioscience course, and other CTE options in DVUSD.