Primary Science IDEAS is an instructional model designed to accelerate student achievement in science, reading comprehension and writing in grades K-2. The Primary Science IDEAS model was developed as an age appropriate downward extension of the grade 3-5 Science IDEAS Model as an interdisciplinary, knowledge-based model, Primary Science IDEAS integrates reading comprehension and writing within daily, 45 minute instructional blocks focusing on age-appropriate in-depth science instruction that complements traditional reading/language arts instruction.
In grades K-2, Primary Science IDEAS students engage in a variety of age-appropriate, NGSS-oriented hands-on, reading comprehension, writing/journaling, and concept mapping activities, all of which focus on the science concepts to be learned. Implemented through a multi-day lesson structure, these concept-focused activities build student in-depth understanding of core science concepts, while improving their ability to read with comprehension and, through writing and concept mapping, to represent the cumulative conceptual knowledge they have gained.
This project was funded at Florida Atlantic University by the National Science Foundation (NSF - 1316433). This Website overviews results of the multi-year NSF study in which the Primary Science IDEAS model was implemented schoolwide in grades 1-2 in 12 schools.