On June 16, 2022, the State Board of Education adopted the Oregon Science Standards, which represent K-12 learning expectations in science education for all students and are a foundational expectation of the Oregon Diploma. Students in early grades work towards these science concepts by practicing skills that are useful in science and in other subjects.

• 2022 Kindergarten Science Standards
• 2022 Grade 1 Science Standards
• 2022 Grade 2 Science Standards
• 2022 Grade 3 Science Standards
• 2022 Grade 4 Science Standards
• 2022 Grade 5 Science Standards

These standards are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which were adopted in 2014. The NGSS have been tailored to meet the needs of Oregon students in the 2022 Oregon Science Standards. There is a focus on integrating the specific environment and changing climate of the Pacific Northwest into classroom standards.

K-5 Science Curriculum: Elementary NGSS                                                

Our youngest students experience lessons that build towards more advanced science concepts by practicing skills and getting introduced to key ideas. In June 2025, the David Douglas School Board approved the purchase of Imagine Learning’s Twig Science, which will be the adopted K-5 elementary science curriculum for 2025-2031.  

Twig Science Overview:

• Twig Science Driving Questions for each grade level
• Twig Science Scope and Sequence

David Douglas Science learning also includes connections to community partners. Grow Portland and Zenger Farms operate school gardens at our elementary schools, teaching lessons in our outdoor classrooms. This learning culminates at Farm School in 5th grade, when all students visit Zenger Farms.