- Columbus City Schools
- Science
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In Columbus City Schools, secondary science education—covering grades 6 through 12—is designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. Our science programs emphasize hands-on learning, critical thinking, and real-world application of scientific concepts. Students explore life, physical, and earth sciences through engaging labs, inquiry-based activities, and collaborative projects.
At the high school level, students have access to a variety of science courses including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and advanced placement (AP) options. Our curriculum aligns with Ohio’s Learning Standards and is supported by digital tools like Canvas, where students and families can access resources, assignments, and updates.
Science teachers and department chairs across the district work together to ensure high-quality instruction, equity in access to materials, and ongoing professional development. We are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring science classrooms where every student can thrive.
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6th Grade Science
Grade 6 Science Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Earth & Space Science: Focus on rocks, minerals, soil composition, and their practical uses.
- Physical Science: Study of matter, energy (kinetic/potential), and motion.
- Life Science: Cell theory, cell functions, levels of biological organization, and basic genetics.
- Scientific Inquiry: Emphasis on hands-on investigations, data analysis, and communication of findings.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district currently uses HMH Science Dimensions as the adopted science curriculum for middle school. This program supports Ohio’s Learning Standards and emphasizes inquiry-based learning, hands-on investigations, and integration of science and engineering practices.
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7th Grade Science
Grade 7 Science Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Life Science: Ecosystems, energy flow, and matter cycles (like carbon and nitrogen).
- Physical Science: Conservation of mass and energy during physical and chemical changes.
- Earth & Space Science: Moon phases, tides, seasons, and Earth’s movement.
- Scientific Inquiry: Hands-on investigations, data analysis, and modeling across all units.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district currently uses HMH Science Dimensions as the adopted science curriculum for middle school. This program supports Ohio’s Learning Standards and emphasizes inquiry-based learning, hands-on investigations, and integration of science and engineering practices.
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8th Grade Science
Grade 8 Science Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Earth & Space Science: Earth’s interior, plate tectonics, and geologic history.
- Life Science: Reproduction, genetics, and evolution.
- Physical Science: Forces, motion, and fields (magnetic, electric, gravitational).
- Scientific Inquiry: Embedded throughout with hands-on labs, data analysis, and modeling.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district currently uses HMH Science Dimensions as the adopted science curriculum for middle school. This program supports Ohio’s Learning Standards and emphasizes inquiry-based learning, hands-on investigations, and integration of science and engineering practices.
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Physical Science
Physical Science Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Matter: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, and reactions.
- Energy & Waves: Energy conservation, wave behavior, and electromagnetic spectrum.
- Forces & Motion: Newton’s laws, motion graphs, and field forces (gravity, magnetism, electricity).
- The Universe: Galaxies, stars, and the history of the universe.
- Scientific Inquiry: Lab investigations, data analysis, and modeling are integrated throughout.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district has adopted Inspire Physical Science by McGraw Hill as our current textbook for high school physical science. This curriculum supports Ohio’s Learning Standards and provides students with engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences that build a strong foundation in matter, energy, forces, and scientific practices.
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Biology
Biology Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Cell Structure & Function: Organelles, cell processes, and cell theory.
- Genetics & Heredity: DNA, genes, inheritance, and genetic technologies.
- Evolution: Natural selection, adaptation, and biodiversity.
- Ecology: Ecosystems, energy flow, and environmental impact.
- Biological Systems: Structure and function of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district has adopted Miller & Levine Biology, High School Edition, published by Savvas Learning Company, as our official textbook for high school biology. This program supports Ohio’s Learning Standards and engages students through inquiry-based learning, real-world phenomena, and interactive digital tools. It promotes deep understanding of biological concepts and prepares students for success in science and STEM pathways.
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Environmental Science
Biology Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Cell Structure & Function: Organelles, cell processes, and cell theory.
- Genetics & Heredity: DNA, genes, inheritance, and genetic technologies.
- Evolution: Natural selection, adaptation, and biodiversity.
- Ecology: Ecosystems, energy flow, and environmental impact.
- Biological Systems: Structure and function of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district has adopted Environmental Science: Your World, Your Turn by Jay Withgott, published by Savvas Learning Company, as our official textbook for high school environmental science. This program engages students through real-world case studies, hands-on inquiry, and digital tools that support scientific thinking and environmental awareness.
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Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Cells & Tissues: Cell structure, histology, and tissue repair.
- Body Systems: In-depth study of all major systems:
- Integumentary
- Skeletal
- Muscular
- Nervous
- Endocrine
- Cardiovascular
- Lymphatic/Immune
- Respiratory
- Digestive
- Urinary
- Reproductivehcpss+1
- Homeostasis: Feedback mechanisms and system interactions.
- Medical Applications: Case studies, disease analysis, and health conditions.
- Lab Work: Includes dissections, modeling, and hands-on investigations.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district has adopted Welsh, Hole's Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, High School Edition (2nd Edition) with Anatomy & Physiology Revealed (APR). This comprehensive resource supports advanced life science instruction by combining engaging content with interactive digital tools that deepen students’ understanding of the human body and its systems.
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Physics
Physics Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Motion & Forces: Kinematics, Newton’s laws, gravity, friction, and momentum.
- Energy & Work: Conservation of energy, kinetic and potential energy, power, and thermodynamics.
- Waves: Sound, light, electromagnetic waves, and wave interactions (reflection, refraction, diffraction).
- Electricity & Magnetism: Circuits, voltage, current, resistance, and electromagnetism.
- Modern Physics: Introductory concepts in nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district has adopted Inspire Physics by McGraw Hill as the official textbook for high school physics. This program supports Ohio’s Learning Standards and engages students through inquiry-based learning, hands-on investigations, and real-world phenomena. Inspire Physics helps students build a deep understanding of motion, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism.
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Chemistry
Chemistry Overview – Ohio Learning Standards:
- Atomic Structure: Atoms, periodic trends, and bonding.
- Chemical Reactions: Types, balancing equations, and energy changes.
- Stoichiometry: Mole ratios, limiting reagents, and gas laws.
- Solutions & Acids/Bases: Concentration, pH, and reactions.
- Nuclear Chemistry: Radioactivity and nuclear reactions.
- Scientific Inquiry: Lab investigations, data analysis, and modeling.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
Current Textbook Adoption:
Our district has adopted Inspire Chemistry by McGraw Hill as the official textbook for high school chemistry. This program aligns with Ohio’s Learning Standards and engages students through inquiry-based learning, hands-on investigations, and real-world phenomena. Inspire Chemistry helps students build a deep understanding of matter, energy, chemical reactions, and scientific practices.
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Material Science
Material Science Overview :
- Metals, Polymers, Ceramics, and Composites: How materials are processed and how their structure affects performance.
- Phase Diagrams & Bonding: Understanding how materials change under different conditions.
- Thermodynamics & Kinetics: Scientific principles behind material behavior.
- Sustainability & Manufacturing: Environmental impact and how materials are turned into products.osu
- Real-World Applications: From aerospace to biomedical devices, students explore how materials shape technology and innovation.
Year at a Glance for CCS:
Link to Full Curriculum Guide Document
