What to look for in a good science program 

A well designed science curriculum will send a student home with in-depth knowledge of plants, animals, gravity, stars, electricity and much more. Not only will the student learn the facts about these topics, but she will also understand the general laws of nature, know important facts and ideas about the universe and be able to use some of the methods that scientists use. Finally, a good school will encourage a child to apply the concepts learned in science to other subjects and teach them how to systematically research, communicate and present their ideas.

What can you do to make sure your child's science education measures up?

Check out your child's textbook. California has a watchdog group called The Textbook League that provides independent, expert appraisals of textbooks that publishers are currently selling to schools. See if your child's book is one of over 120 books they have reviewed.

Compare your child's science class to what Core Knowledge offers. Is he learning about the five senses in kindergarten, magnetism, plants and animals in 4th grade, or sound waves in 8th grade?

How hands-on is the science program? One Arizona charter school, NFL-Yet, has created an entire eco-system outside the classrooms. The children feed the animals, watch nature evolve and tend to the vegetation.

Ask questions! Does your science teacher know science or merely hold a credential? Is it an actual course of study? If it is your area of expertise, you might offer to help out!