Over the past few years, the Hockinson School District has reshaped science instruction across all three schools to better equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Hockinson Heights Elementary School students build a foundation in core science concepts through engaging lessons and hands-on activities. This year, 5th graders began using two new science curriculums that both cater around real-world phenomena and encourage students to explain their findings. Beyond the classroom, students are also invited to dive deeper into a topic that interests them and present their findings at the annual HHES Science Fair.
Teachers at Hockinson Middle School recently selected a new science curriculum, Amplify Science, in 2023. Each unit centers on a problem from the real world, and students step into the role of scientists to solve it. Students investigate, discuss their findings, and explain their solutions.
Scores on the annual state 8th grade science test have shown an upward trajectory since adopting the new curriculum, rising from 44.6% (of students meeting or surpassing grade-level expectations) in spring of 2024 to 66.2% in 2025 and 80% in 2026!
Hockinson High School adopted the McGraw Hill Inspire Science curriculum last year. Science courses now focus on one subject at a time rather than integrating several areas into a single class. Students take biology in 9th grade, chemistry in 10th grade, and physics in 11th grade, with Earth science concepts being woven throughout all three. Studying each subject in depth throughout the entire school year gives students a strong foundation to build upon these concepts in a higher education setting or the workforce.
Educators across the HSD have received professional development opportunities centered around state standards, and students are expected to approach these standards like scientists do: by running experiments, working with their hands, and writing and reflecting like researchers.
By learning to explore like a scientist, Hockinson students are developing transferable skills that will prepare them for lifelong success.