Exploration of Science Education Standards

Activity 4

Science Performance Standard A Grade 4

A.4.2 When faced with a science-related problem, decide what evidence, models, or explanations previously studied can be used to better understand what is happening now

• This standard is definitely necessary in order for a person to grasp certain concepts related to topics or issues. For example, a model of our galaxy with rotating planets around the sun can aid comprehension of gravity and its force. Another example that I personally have encountered is through conceptual drawings in a geology class. Drawing complex natural cycles such as the water cycle and how tectonic plates move and form land structures helps the understanding of these subjects. The student can then connect these occurrences with real life scenarios by thinking abstractly.

Science Performance Standard B Grade 4

B.4.3 Show how the major developments of scientific knowledge in the earth and space, life and environmental, and physical sciences have changed over time

• Science is a study that has always been changing and adapting over time with new discoveries. 500 years ago, many people believed that the earth was not round and then there was much debate about whether the earth revolved around the sun or the sun revolved around the earth. Science has recently come a long way but still has a long way to go. In science classes, I have drawn atoms and learned about how the structure of an atom has changed through our understanding of it. The way we draw atoms now may even be incorrect. The uncertainty principle states that electrons have no definite velocity or position in an electron cloud. They seemingly teleport or travel from place to place within the cloud which may help scientists unlock the key to traveling through time and space.

Science Performance Standard C Grade 4
C.4.5 Use data they have collected to develop explanations and answer questions generated by investigations

• I have achieved this standard in nearly every science class I have been in because answering questions and collecting data is what science is all about. I achieved this in the first activity when I froze salt water and regular water. I collected the data, investigated the results, and answered the questions asked. I discovered the effect that salt has on freezing water and connected the result to real life applications. Another time I remember this occurring was in 8th grade when I scratched the surface of certain rocks to determine their hardness. The varying hardness of certain rocks explains the household and commercial use of certain minerals such as diamonds for long lasting rings and marble for house counter tops and cutting boards.

Science Performance Standard D Grade 4

D.4.6 Observe and describe physical events in objects at rest or in motion

• Previous physics classes have helped me understand this standard. Studying Newton's 3 laws allow for the comprehension that an object at rest will stay at rest and an object in motion will stay in motion. This of course applies only with no interference such as gravity. In order to overcome gravity, materials are made to reduce friction. Tires are made to roll for a long time which maximizes gas mileage of cars. Launching rockets in a physics class allowed me to understand the constant trajectory the rocket will take once the fuel runs out. Even something as simple as shooting a basketball or throwing a baseball has given me the ability to understand the way that objects constantly stay in motion.

Science Performance Standard E Grade 4

E.4.6 Using the science themes, find patterns and cycles in the earth's daily, yearly, and long-term changes

• Sometime during elementary school, I was taught the water cycle through videos and images which allowed me to connect the water cycle to real life. I remember watching the Magic School Bus episode where the children go through the water cycle from evaporation to precipitation to condensation. Explaining these terms in a relatable sense such as rain makes it easy to understand at a young age. Real life examples also helped me understand such as why water forms on the inside of a window and on the mirror after a hot shower. At an even younger age, the seasons were explained. Over time, we are taught about the poles of the earth and its rotation and tilt which creates the 4 seasons.

Science Performance Standard F Grade 4

F.4.2 Investigate how organisms, especially plants, respond to both internal cues (the need for water) and external cues (changes in the environment)

• Observing flowers is a great way for children to grasp how organisms respond to their environment. Flowers respond to sunlight by moving in the sun's direction which provides them with the energy to thrive and grow. When a flower lacks water, it wilts which is a sign that it needs to be watered. Even animal respond to internal and external cues. Birds migrate south to warmer weather once it starts getting cold and squirrels begin burying nuts for sustenance during the long winter. In 4th grade, my class went to an outdoor lab where we observed an ecosystem. Our teacher caught crawfish in a river which we had to draw and we also investigated owl pellets. This experience is great for children to go through because nature is an essential topic to understand.

Science Performance Standard G Grade 4

G.4.4 Identify the combinations of simple machines in a device used in the home, the workplace, or elsewhere in the community to make or repair things, or to move goods or people

• For me, simple machines were really elaborated on in 9th grade. Levers, wedges, and inclined planes are essential in all basic tools such as hammers, axes, and screwdrivers. Combining simple machines can create inventions that change the way we work. For example, the wheel barrow is pretty simple and it is made up of a lever and a wheel and axle. Other tools such as ladders and shovels simply make work easier which is the idea behind simple machines. The wheel and axle is the most revolutionary simple machine because it allows for the mass transportation of goods and people.

Science Performance Standard H Grade 4

H.4.1 Describe how science and technology have helped, and in some cases hindered, progress in providing better food, more rapid information, quicker and safer transportation, and more effective health care

• Science and technology have brought our society to where it is today. In my food and nutrition class at Stout, I learned that food is much safer to eat with bacteria-killing chemicals and health codes and standards that must be met by companies. Although, salt and other preservatives have made many refrigerated and frozen foods fairly unhealthy which has led to a lot of obesity in the US. In a high school shop class, I worked with many ways of communication such as a news press and computer programs that produced widespread news and information on a massive scale. An elementary school teacher once told me that the most important invention in the last 500 years was the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg because it allowed books to be made on a large scale which increased literacy worldwide. As for quicker and safer transportation, it has evolved from slow horse-drawn carriages to incredibly large commercial airplanes. Cars have evolved into fast and efficient modes of transportation with surrounding airbags and automatic break systems. Finally, health care in the last 150 years has raised our standard of living and the average age by a startling amount. It has raised it so much to the point that today's immense population is beginning to become a problem. These are all issues that are covered more widely by news teams on television and the internet than by teachers.

Next Generation Science Standards

1. The big changed coming compared to the previous standards mainly include science and technology. Due to major advances in science and technology since 15 years ago when the original standards were adopted, it is time to change the current standards and create a more science based set of standards for K-12 students. The effectiveness of science programs will be better as a greater understanding of how children learn science concepts has emerged. The application of these standards will be built upon from K-12 and progress as an appropriate rate.

2. The science standards will be consistent with the math and literacy standards so that they do not outpace the grade-by-grade standards. The standards will by taught alongside math and literacy standards so the curriculum will not have to become much different. The science standards will match up with other expected standards by each grade. The Next Gen Science Standards ensure that "every effort has been made to ensure consistency".

3. One challenge I can see is regarding older teachers. Some teachers may not have the knowledge for some  of the expected standards such as engineering. This may make it tough to integrate lessons into their curriculum which support engineering or other science standards. For this, they might have to attend classes or possibly lose their jobs over these new standards. Other than this, I can see nothing wrong with the integration of these standards into my curriculum. I see only opportunity for an increased understanding of scientific concepts and new technologies.