New Hampshire Science Curriculum Frameworks
Introduction Broad Goals Science as Inquiry Science, Technology, and Society
Life Science Earth/Space Science Physical Science Unifying Themes and Concepts
What is science education?
Science comprises our knowledge about the natural world and the processes by which that knowledge is acquired, synthesized, evaluated, and applied. Therefore, science education must emphasize hands-on exploration and direct experience with the natural world. Students should be engaged in the observation of these phenomena whenever possible. Science is, above all, a problem-solving activity that seeks answers to questions by collecting and analyzing data in an attempt to offer a rational explanation of naturally-occurring events. The knowledge that results from scientific problem solving is most useful when it is organized into concepts, generalizations, and unifying principles, which lead to further investigation of objects and events in the environment. Science is practiced in the context of human culture, and therefore, dynamic interactions occur among science, technology, and society. Each component-- inquiry and problem solving; scientific knowledge organized by unifying principles or themes; and science, technology and society-- is critically important to instruction in science.
top
Why does society need good science education?
Scientifically-literate citizens, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to study and solve complex problems, are critical to sustaining and improving the quality of life on earth and for enhancing democratic societies and the global economy. The goal of science education is not only to produce scientists, although this is clearly seen as a need in our society, but also to prepare well rounded, clear thinking, scientifically literate citizens. Helping young people acquire the knowledge and skills they will need as productive adults in an increasingly technological society is the major purpose for science instruction.
top
Can science education be a positive experience for students?
All students should have the opportunity to achieve in science. However, national studies and reports highlight the under representation of females, members of minority groups, and persons with disabilities in undergraduate and graduate science programs, research, industry, and other scientific enterprises. These reports identify significant differences between the science learning experiences of women and men, among the varied ethnic groups, and among persons of various physical and mental abilities. These differences often prevent students from seriously considering many school and career options. The traditional views that science and mathematics are more appropriate for males than for females, or that students with certain disabilities cannot fully participate in science courses must be changed.
One of the most powerful influences on students' achievement in any area is the consistent belief that they can be successful. Teachers are especially effective in promoting positive student attitudes concerning ability and achievement. Meaningful recognition from a caring teacher can spark interest, enthusiasm, and effort, thereby, motivating students to use their full ability.
Effective science teaching instills a positive view of science, mathematics, and technology in young people, including such highly-regarded attributes as integrity, diligence, persistence, curiosity, open-mindedness, critical evaluation of alternatives, and imagination. We must constantly strive, through science education, to instill these attributes in all of our students.
top
What skills does the expanding universe of scientific knowledge require of students?
Science and the current body of scientific knowledge are not static, but are in a continual process of change in which ideas are routinely modified with new data. The knowledge and processes of science have evolved over many years, and we use this rich history regularly to construct our path to the future. Current science instruction falls short in preparing students to be competent problem solvers. Focus on the traditional basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic must be expanded to include communication, collaboration, scientific and technological literacy, and the ability to access and process information. Problem-solving skills include the abilities to recognize and define a problem, to generate and evaluate alternatives, to choose a course of action, and to make sound judgments based on real data.
top
Are science and society responsible to each other?
Science is a human activity through which problems and questions dealing with natural phenomena are identified and defined, and solutions proposed and tested. Basic scientific concepts are embodied in the everyday problems we face. Competence in science gives individuals confidence to respond intelligently to objects and events of nature, and to control some aspects of their personal and collective environment and destiny. Scientifically-literate persons will be able to respond to change, will know when, where, and how to formulate opinions, and will function effectively in an increasingly complex and technological world.
top
Why should science be taught in a multidisciplinary manner?
Systems, patterns, and change are examples of common themes inherent in the investigations made in all disciplines. Most ideas are not isolated, but are found in a context that transcends disciplinary boundaries. Knowledge that is connected and useful expands the understanding of an idea. The understanding of multifaceted problems is enhanced when explored from the perspectives of history, art, mathematics, language arts, and the social sciences. Technology pervades all of the disciplines and is an integral part of the total picture.
top
Why should New Hampshire have a curriculum framework?
Acquiring a common core of scientific knowledge and understanding, including a framework of organized conceptual information, will enable students to think through problems. Educators, undertaking the task of curriculum development and revision, are forced to make difficult decisions and identify the most important ideas in science. Educators must concentrate on the quality of understanding rather than the quantity of information learned.
top
What crucial roles do science educators play in instruction?
The role of science educators is to help children develop the skills of observing, interpreting and questioning as they investigate natural phenomena and probe the nature of the physical and living world. Fostering a child's natural curiosity encourages the student to ask questions about the natural world. Effective learners ask productive questions, design investigations, collect and analyze data, utilize available knowledge to explain the results, and effectively communicate their ideas to others. Through this process, students are actively involved in synthesizing their own understanding. When students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, they become independent learners and build a self-confidence which will enable them to approach open-ended problems.
top
Should teachers use a variety of teaching techniques?
Each individual has a unique history of learning experiences and brings to any learning situation an existing knowledge base. One of the most important tasks of the teacher is to match curriculum content to the learner's past experience and intellectual development. Differences in backgrounds, strengths, and understandings create a need to employ multiple teaching methodologies to meet the needs of every learner. Addressing the many facets of intelligence in learners also requires the use of multiple and creative assessment techniques.
top
How will this framework be used by school districts?
The intent of this curriculum framework is to help districts highlight areas where improvement is needed, and to guide and support the districts in making these changes. Curriculum revisions, based on a logical and understandable framework, should inspire and motivate teachers to energetically support positive change, and provide a powerful tool to improve instruction. Classrooms made alive by highly skilled and motivated teachers, who inspire scientific exploration, discovery, problem solving, and the development of knowledge and skills that have practical application, are needed to prepare students for the future.
top
Who are the team members for curriculum change?
Teachers cannot be expected to undertake this task alone. Interaction and cooperation among parents, citizens, educators, and administrators must occur to ensure a common vision for science reform. Essential support is needed from administrators and the community in the form of high expectations, respect for academic proficiency and teaching expertise, adequate time for colleagues to work and plan together, opportunities for continuing professional development, and providing a working environment in which teachers can be efficient and effective.
top
Why is science important for all students?
To improve and maintain the quality of life for the future is the responsibility of all. Finding solutions to present global and local problems requires citizens who are capable of making judgments and decisions based on logic and reason. The success of any democracy depends upon the existence of a well informed and participatory citizenry dedicated to the common good. In an increasingly technological society, therefore, scientific literacy for all citizens is a mandate.
|
