D671 is the science curriculum course in Western Governors University's B.S. Elementary Education program.
WGU describes it as an in-depth look at developing and implementing a robust, inquiry-based science curriculum aligned to current standards, exploring major concepts within Earth, life and physical sciences.
The course stresses cross-cutting concepts, science and engineering practices and disciplinary core ideas to support conceptual understanding. For many candidates the hurdle is the content itself: you must explain science ideas accurately before you can plan how to teach them, and then connect them to standards in a structured way.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course | D671, Elementary Science Curriculum |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Program | B.S. Elementary Education (3 CUs) |
| Subject area | Elementary science content and curriculum |
| Typical work | Explaining science concepts and analyzing standards and resources |
What D671 Covers
| Competency (summarized) | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Analyze elementary science standards and resources | Read standards closely and judge supporting materials |
| Explain Earth science concepts | Weather, rocks, water, the solar system and similar topics |
| Explain life science concepts | Organisms, habitats, life cycles and adaptation |
| Explain physical science concepts | Matter, forces, motion and energy |
Key Concepts Explained
Three Dimensions
Modern elementary science standards combine three strands: disciplinary core ideas (what pupils learn), science and engineering practices (what pupils do) and cross-cutting concepts (themes such as patterns, cause and effect, and systems). A strong unit uses all three together.
Example: In a unit on plant growth, the core idea is that plants need light and water. The practice is planning a simple investigation with controlled variables. The cross-cutting concept is cause and effect. Pupils test, record and explain, so each strand is visible.
Accurate Explanations
Be careful with common misconceptions, such as seasons being caused by distance from the sun. Use course readings to confirm explanations before you teach them.
Inquiry
Inquiry means pupils ask questions, gather evidence and build explanations, with the teacher guiding rather than telling.
Core Content You Should Be Comfortable With
Because the competencies ask you to explain concepts in three domains, review the following at an elementary level before you plan teaching. Use your course materials for the exact scope.
| Domain | Example topics |
|---|---|
| Earth science | Weather and climate, rocks and soil, water on Earth, the sun, moon and stars |
| Life science | Plant and animal needs, life cycles, habitats, inherited traits, adaptation |
| Physical science | Properties of matter, forces and motion, energy, light and sound |
For each topic, practice stating the big idea in one sentence a pupil could follow, naming one common misconception, and describing one simple investigation.
Example: Topic: day and night. Big idea: Earth spins, so a place faces the sun and then away from it. Misconception: the sun moves around Earth each day. Investigation: shine a torch on a globe and turn it to show how a marked spot moves in and out of light.
Practicing this triple (idea, misconception, investigation) also prepares you for the later methods course.
Typical Work and How to Approach It
| Type of work | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Standards analysis | Interpreting the three dimensions | Identify the idea, practice and concept in each standard |
| Science concept explanations | Content accuracy | Use simple language and a clear example |
| Resource review | Judging quality | Check alignment and accuracy |
| Unit outline | Curriculum design | Sequence investigations from simple to complex |
Where Students Get Stuck
- Content gaps. Review the underlying science, not only the pedagogy.
- Misconceptions. Check explanations against trusted course sources.
- Treating standards as topics. They describe performances, not just subjects.
- Activities without evidence. Say what pupils will produce to show understanding.
Study Tips for D671
- Make a one-page summary for each of the three science domains.
- Learn to unpack a standard into idea, practice and concept.
- Use diagrams in your notes and explanations.
- Test each explanation by trying to teach it in two sentences.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
- Science explanations are accurate and avoid common misconceptions.
- Each standard is unpacked into idea, practice and concept.
- Resource comments cite specific features.
- Investigations produce evidence pupils can use.
- Vocabulary is defined at pupil level.
- All three science domains are addressed where required.
If you are unsure of a fact, verify it in your course materials rather than relying on memory.
How We Help with D671
Send the task instructions, grade level and rubric. A writer can explain science concepts, edit your analysis, or produce a model unit outline for study. Our education assignment help guide explains wider support.
GradeEssays is independent and not affiliated with WGU. This is a study and reference aid; submit only your own work under WGU's academic integrity policy. We do not access course portals. Free revisions; full refund if late.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Inquiry-based science curriculum with Earth, life and physical sciences, cross-cutting concepts, practices and core ideas.
D678 is the graduate (MAT) version; D671 is the undergraduate course.
3 CUs in the B.S. Elementary Education guide.
No. The course is for elementary teachers and works from foundational concepts.
Methods appear in D672. D671 centers on content and curriculum.
No. We tutor, edit and model; your work must be your own.