Curriculum for Science Education
State of the art, science curriculum is engaging, challenging and relevant. It sets its aim on developing proficiencies in students so they can use the knowledge, habits of mind and practices of science to help improve the quality of their lives and of society as a whole. This page will direct the reader to important science standards and examples of model curriculum for modern science education.
Science Standards
I. The Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS)
A revision of our national standards is underway. When enacted it will promote a NEW VISION of SCIENCE EDUCATION. The effort is built upon updated research on how science functions as an enterprise and how students learn. The A Framework for the standards has been published and actual standards are currently being drafted, reviewed and revised. They are expected to be published in the late fall, 2012.
II. Michigan Science Standards
The Michigan Science Content Expectations are best viewed in the MDE Companion Documents. The high school content expectations are behind the link to the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
III. ACT College Readiness Standards
The Michigan Merit Exam (MME) in science is comprised of the 40 ACT items (20 of which are scored for MME) in addition to 32 items aligned to the HS Content Expectations in physics, chemistry, biology, earth science and science process skills. Because of the weight on the ACT, the College Readiness Standard for Science are the most important competencies impacting a student’s MME score.
IV. Common Core Standards for ELA
Reading and writing in science education is critical for two reasons: 1) these are proficiencies inherent in the scientific enterprise and 2) they are powerful approaches for conceptual mastery of science concepts, especially when used in conjunction with student investigations. The Common Core Standards for English Language Arts is a valuable asset for science education. It describes task and competencies that support science education.
Curriculum and Instructional Resources
Oakland Science Scope
Michigan science standards have been organized into units and on the Atlas-Rubicon Curriculum Management System. All grades and courses have lesson resources available. Some grades, notably 5-7 have extensive support with fully detailed lesson packets and assessment packets. Lesson packets are also available for Earth System Science, a high school course commonly offered in 8th grade.
Reform Based Curricular Resources
There are a number of thoughtfully designed curricular resources that are built on the research and principles described in Taking Science to School. They are interactive, centered on student investigations, reliant on discourse, argument and writing to learn. Commonly, they are designed on a learning cycle such as the “5-E Learning Cycle”, which elicits student think from the outsight, engages students in activities before concepts are formally presented, and opportunities to apply science proficiency and content are emphasized. Teacher and student roles shift throughout the cycles. Rather than presenting science like traditional text book does, texts from these resources present more like scripts for teachers follow and adapt. The value of adopting such curricular resources is immense. It becomes a powerful professional development experience, and allows teachers to focus on teaching rather than inventing curriculum.
Battle Creek Science Kits
The Battle Creek Science Kits are purchased by districts that benefit from a completely resourced and Michigan standards aligned curriculum. They come with trade books and the physical materials for elementary and middle school units. Learn more about the kits here: https://www.bcamsc.org/science-units.