Skip To Main Content

Science Curriculum Overview

Helping students explore the world around them.

Science education in Columbus City Schools helps students explore the world around them, ask questions, and solve problems. From kindergarten through high school, students build knowledge and skills that prepare them for college, careers, and everyday life.

Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Students explore:

  • Weather and seasons
  • Plants and animals
  • Forces and motion
  • Earth materials and ecosystems

Learning is hands-on and encourages curiosity.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Students dive deeper into science topics:

  • Grade 6: Rocks, minerals, soil, energy, cells, and levels of organization
  • Grade 7: Matter, energy cycles, and environmental interactions
  • Grade 8: Heredity, plate tectonics, the geologic record, waves, and energy conservation
High School (Grades 9-12)

Students choose from a variety of science courses, including:

  • Physical Science
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Biology
  • Material Science
  • Chemistry
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies. 
  • Physics
  • Advanced Placement (AP): AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science.
  • Environmental Science
  • College Credit Plus (CCP): Earn college credit while in high school

Statewide Testing

Students take Ohio State Tests in Science at three key points in their school journey:

  • Grade 5
  • Grade 8
  • High School Biology (usually in Grade 9 or 10)

These tests are given in the spring and help measure how well students understand important science concepts.

What’s on the Science Tests?