Assignment 4


Standard A 4.5: When studying a science-related problem, decide what changes over time are occurring or have occurred

-In high school biology, we performed a series of experiments on pea plants to see if water was the best way to get plants to grow. We would have to check our plant's growth progress every other day to see if changes have occurred. This allowed us to examine how the plants changed over time and how it was occurring.

B.4.2 Acquire information about people who have contributed to the development of major ideas in the sciences and learn about the cultures in which these people lived and worked.

-Throughout my k-12 science classes, we would learn about the scientists who discovered and developed the experiments/ theories that we were currently learning about. We would use various resources to help study these important scientists.

C.4.2 Use the science content being learned to ask questions, plan investigations, make observations, make predictions, and offer explanations

-In my earliest science class experiences, we usually would develop some sort of  experiment plan and a hypothesis. After learning about the content in class, we had the knowledge and skills to develop an experiment and solve problems. The scientific method is usually a corner stone of early science education. 

D.4.3. Understand that substances can exist in different states-solid, liquid, gas

- One of the first experiments I remember doing in middle school revolved around freezing and boiling water. This experiment helped my class understand that substances can exist in different forms of matter. This lead to us learning about different substances that can also do this.

E.4.1 Investigate that earth materials are composed of rocks and soils and correctly use the vocabulary for rocks, minerals, and soils during these investigations

-In 8th grade, our science classes revolved around the weather, space, and minerals/ the earth. We would learn about how rocks and minerals change over time and how they affect the planet. We also would learn about the correct vocabulary to be used with these.

F.4.3 Illustrate* the different ways that organisms grow through life stages and survive to produce new members of their type

-In various science classes we learned the basics about how animals reproduce and give birth. This included learning about how young species develop in their lifetime and various forms of birth (eggs, babies, etc.). Then in more advanced classes we learned about how plants reproduce and things like asexual reproduction. 

G.4.3 Determine what science discoveries have led to changes in technologies that are being used in the workplace by someone employed locally

-In various science classes we went on field trips or had a quest speaker come in and talk to us about how technology has changed in their field. One that I remember fondly was going to the amusement park in Mall of America in order to learn more about physics and how the latest roller coaster technology worked. 

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

-In high school biology, we had to do research projects on how science have improved our day to day lives. I chose to do research on GMO's and how they could potentially solve world hunger if used correctly. I always enjoyed doing research on the latest scientific advancements.

New Standards Questions

1. Compared to previous standards, the new standards look like they will be more specific and complex than previous elementary science education. Students will start learning about energy and concepts like "Earth in the universe". I think the idea is that with the proper teaching/lesson plans, young students can learn more complex ideas than previously thought.

2. The concepts tend to have research and studying which can be applied to multiple disciplines (proper research skills are universal). The experiments dealing with energy will most likely use math and equations that students learn in other disciplines as well. 

3. I think that the challenge for teachers teaching these new standards will be introducing the topics in ways that young students can understand. I believe that once students are properly introduced to these topics, they will be able to fully understand and learn them.

4. These standards are broad enough for teachers to get creative and make these experiments fun for students. If students are genuinely enjoying these topics, they will want to participate and learn actively.  Some of the problems I had with my science classes were that my teachers didn't try and get students actively interested and participating. Instead students would just get through the experiments as fast as they could just to get the completion grade. If students are more engaged, they will be more invested in experiments.