For advanced and Gifted science classes, Indian River County has adopted a thematic curricular approach that facilitates the integration of earth, life and physical science concepts at a challenging and engaging level appropriate for high achieving students. The three themes selected by the district for the middle school program are Environmental Science (6^th), Space Science (7^th), and Oceanography (8^th).

The goal of both the advanced and Gifted programs is to incorporate inquiry-based learning with real-world applications that provide students with a sense of purpose for their learning and a vision of career opportunities in the sciences. Academic rigor, scientific methodology, critical thinking, problem solving, and technology integration are emphasized in the lessons and activities designed specifically for these thematic units.

Both the advanced science program and the Gifted science program are designed to cover the Sunshine State Standards and prepare students for the FCAT. However, in the Gifted classroom, the challenging lessons of the advanced curriculum are further enhanced to promote and encourage creative expression, effective oral and written communication, research and information synthesis, leadership, teamwork, and  personal growth and responsibility. The ultimate goal is to facilitate achievement at the highest level appropriate for each individual while providing the support and skills that will create capable and independent learners.

Instructional methods may include, but are not limited to:

·          Inquiry-based lessons such as labs, experiments, activities.

·          Direct teaching such as lectures, presentations, textbook activities.

·          Collaborative groups such as small group investigations or projects.

·          Demonstrations, videos, and interactive web media.

·          Student use of technology (i.e. internet research, PowerPoint presentations, word processing and publishing, wiki and webpage-building, WebQuests, blogging, message boards, etc).