California Elevate Science

Name: California Elevate Science
Brand: Savvas Learning Company (f/k/a Pearson)

by Savvas Learning Company (f/k/a Pearson)

ScienceGrades K–5

About This Curriculum

<cite index="21-15,21-16">A phenomena-based science curriculum for Grades K-8 that immerses students in the inquiry process, designed for problem-solving, critical thinking, and CA-NGSS performance expectations.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="21-10">Built on the feedback of California educators, California elevateScience creates a personal classroom experience through hands-on investigations, cool digital tools and localized California storylines.</cite>

California Elevate Science: Phenomena-Based NGSS Curriculum with Mixed Results

California Elevate Science is a K-8 phenomena-based science curriculum that uses inquiry-driven approaches, digital integration, and real-world 'Quests' to engage students. The curriculum combines print and digital resources through the Savvas Realize platform, emphasizing three-dimensional learning aligned with NGSS standards.

Best for

Schools seeking an affordable, digitally-integrated science curriculum with engaging multimedia resources, particularly those comfortable with inquiry-based approaches and strong technology infrastructure

Evaluation Criteria

3 concerns · 2 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum emphasizes phenomena-based inquiry over systematic content knowledge building. The focus on real-world scenarios and student exploration may not adequately develop foundational scientific knowledge.

EdReports rated it 'Does Not Meet Expectations' for Gateway 1 Alignment, and reviews emphasize inquiry process and problem-solving over explicit content instruction

Ngss AlignmentConcern

The curriculum claims strong NGSS alignment with three-dimensional learning integration, though EdReports found significant alignment issues. Reviews show mixed evidence of true three-dimensional learning implementation.

Learning List praised 'strong alignment with NGSS through consistent three-dimensional learning' but EdReports rated Gateway 1 Alignment as 'Does Not Meet Expectations'

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum prioritizes inquiry-based and student-centered approaches over direct instruction. The phenomena-based design suggests less emphasis on explicit teaching of concepts.

Described as 'inquiry-based,' 'student-centered,' and 'phenomena-based' with emphasis on students exploring and discovering rather than receiving direct instruction

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The digital platform provides resources and support for teachers, particularly for NGSS implementation, though the depth and quality of professional development materials is unclear.

Reviews mention 'abundant resources and support for teachers implementing NGSS' and 'substantial digital resources' on the platform

Hands On IntegrationNeutral

The curriculum integrates hands-on activities through 'Quests' and lab work, though the structure and explicitness of instruction alongside these activities is unclear. Activities appear connected to real-world phenomena.

Reviews mention 'practical, relevant hands-on lab work and projects' and 'real-world, phenomena-based scenarios' through Quest activities

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum includes assessments and students answer questions in workbooks, but specific retrieval practice and spaced review features are not clearly described.

Reviews mention 'assessments' and that 'students answer questions in dedicated boxes' but do not detail retrieval practice methods

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum appears to integrate vocabulary through inquiry experiences rather than explicit instruction. The emphasis on literacy skills suggests some attention to vocabulary development.

Reviews mention 'developing literacy skills' but do not specifically describe explicit vocabulary instruction methods

Sources: edreports.org, smarterlearningguide.com