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  Location: Home > Education Services > Elementary Science Specialist Program

Elementary Science Specialist Program

All fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in the Irvine Unified School District receive 120 minutes of hands-on science instruction each week. An additional 60 minutes of science instruction is provided by each child's classroom teacher. This program is unique among Orange County school districts!

This comprehensive science program includes a balanced curriculum including Earth, Life, and Physical Science as well as Investigation and Experimentation skills.  Additionally, all students receive instruction and practice in the Scientific Method and students are required to complete a Science Fair project.

The IUSD Elementary Science Specialist Program is funded by the Donald Bren Foundation and reflects the priority that the Irvine Community and Board of Education place on elementary science education.  This partnership ensures that the IUSD Elementary Science Specialist Program is one of the best in the state of California and the nation.

In 1987 the Elementary Science Specialist Program received the Ohaus Award for Innovation in Elementary Science Teaching from the National Science Teachers Association.  

Frequently Asked Questions


About the People

Curriculum Coordinator: Mark Sontag

Please click on the name of the Science Specialist for biographical information.

Science Specialist Home School 2nd School 3rd School
Vicky Anthony Westpark    
Debbie Babish Santiago Hills    
Ann Bennett University Park Bonita Canyon  
Brian Cady Greentree Alderwood  
Danielle De Frank Plaza Vista Vista Verde  
Julie Dorse Stone Creek Alderwood  
Robert Evans Deerfield University Park  
Patrick Gleason Springbrook    
Kate Higgs Turtle Rock    
Brad Hillman Canyon View    
Richard Kaufman Eastshore Westwood  
Jessica Lingenfelter College Park Alderwood  
Karen Lund Northwood Greentree  
Irma Mudge Canyon View    
Charles Nelson Bonita Canyon University Park  
Adele Patterson Oak Creek Alderwood  
Bettina Pierce Woodbury District Office  
Patricia Schmidt Meadow Park Turtle Rock  
Samantha Scott Brywood Westwood  
Annette Shoemaker Culverdale    
Robin Van Vorhis Brywood    
Meg Vanek Vista Verde    

Links to our favorite science sites......