SCIENCE INSTRUCTION

Use consistent terminology and content in vertical alignment of the standards

Update standards to include references to additional energy sources

Move examples and details to the Curriculum Framework

The .1 stem for the K-12 SOL changed to include the “nature of science.”

Real world applications added to .1 SOL

Summary of Changes to Science SOL

What is The Nature of

Science?

UNDERSTANDABLETHE NATURAL WORLD IS

EVIDENCE

SCIENCE DEMANDS

LOGIC AND IMAGINATIONSCIENCE IS A BLEND OF

DURABLESCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IS

SUBJECT TO CHANGESCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IS

BIASSCIENTISTS ATTEMPT TO AVOID

SOCIAL ACTIVITYSCIENCE IS A COMPLEX

2010 2003 Comments

4.1 4.1 Additional descriptive text (demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic and the nature of science by planning and conducting).

4.1e 4.1h The wording of the bullet was substantially changed with specific actions added (inferences and drawing conclusions) and the content broadened (from a variety of sources rather than just types of graphs).

4.1f New Content (independent and dependent variables are identified).

4.1i 4.1f Additional actions with data (collected, recorded, analyzed) are included with the use of bar graphs.

4.1k New Content (data are communicated with simple graphs, pictures, written statements, and numbers).

4.1l New Content (models are constructed to clarify explanations, demonstrate relationships, and solve needs).

4.1m New Content (current applications are used to reinforce science concepts).

Revisions to the Science SOL: 4th Grade

4.4d New content was added (adaptations allow plants to satisfy life needs and respond to the environment).

4.6c New Content (use of weather measurements and weather phenomena to make weather predictions).

4.7 New Content A new standard was added. The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system. Key

concepts include a) the planets in the solar system; b) the order of the planets in the solar system; and c) the relative sizes of the planets.

Revisions to the Science SOL: 4th Grade

Bye, bye Pluto. You are not a planet, you are a “dwarf planet”. Your orbit is not elliptical like the other planets and you are smaller than originally thought thanks to high tech telescopes and recent data.

X

5.1 5.1 Additional descriptive text was included (demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic and the nature of science )

5.1d New Content was added (hypotheses are formed from testable questions).

5.1e 5.1g More appropriate terminology was added (manipulated and responding were replaced by independent and dependent).

5.1f New Content (constants in an experimental situation are identified).

5.1i New Content (inferences are made and conclusions are drawn).

5.1j New Content (models are constructed to clarify explanations, demonstrate relationships, and solve needs).

5.2a New content was added (compression waves).

5.2b 5.2a Additional content was included (compression, frequency, amplitude).

Revisions to the Science SOL: 5th Grade

5.3a 5.3a New terminology (transverse waves) replaced existing term (light waves).

Removed 5.3e Content was deleted (historical contributions in understanding light.)

5.4a New Content (distinguishing properties of each phase of matter).

5.5b New content (classification of organisms using physical characteristics, body structures, and behavior of the organism).

5.5c New Content (traits of organisms that allow them to survive in their environment).

5.6c 5.6c Terminology was replaced (biological to ecological)

5.7b Additional descriptive terminology (the rock cycle and how transformations between rocks occur).

5.7e 5.7d Additional clarifying text was included (changes in the Earth’s crust due to plate tectonics).

5.7 f 5.7e New content was added (deposition).

Removed 2003 Grade Five Science SOL Content 5.3 e historical contributions in

understanding light

Spring 2012 Division Summary of Science SOL

789 Students Tested87.96 % Passing

Mean Scaled Score (out of 50)Scientific Investigation 37.8Force, Motion, Energy & Matter 38.1Life Processes and Living Systems 37.8Earth/Space Systems and Cycles 39.1

Grade 5 Science SOL

Areas of Strength: Yeah! 93-95% correct in division

Measuring Understanding phase changes of matter Measuring mass Function of plant parts Characteristics of watersheds Identification of natural resources in Virginia Uses of fossils Motion of Earth, moon, sun

From the Spring 2012 3rd G. Science SOL “Student Performance by Question Report”

Areas of Growth (Can you help?) 50-70% correct in division

Interpreting and analyzing dataIdentify the appropriate graph to represent dataUnderstand vibrationsHow objects change with an applied forceDormancyReactants of photosynthesisCommunities of organisms

From the Spring 2012 5th G. Science SOL “Student Performance by Question Report”

Let’s talk about the planets. SOL 4.7

TO DO:

OPEN ENVELOPE, TAKE A PAPER

STAND AND FIND ALL TEACHERS WITH YOUR PLANET

FORM A PLANET CIRCLE

MOVE AND PLACE YOUR PLANET INTO THE CORRECT ORDER FROM THE SUN

THE CORRECT ORDER-

SUN

MERCURY

VENUS

EARTH

MARS

ASTEROID BELT

JUPITER

SATURN

URANUS

NEPTUNE

KUIPER BELT

Humming Hangers SOL 5.2

Tie two pieces of string to the upside down hanger.

Clang the hanger against the table, what do you hear?

Wrap the two pieces of string around your fingers and insert fingers in ears. Clang the hanger against the table. What do you hear?

In what ways is the sound different from the first time?

To Do:

How could you expand upon and develop a rigorous lesson/lab activity from this simple exercise?

Rigor and Vigor

Homework:

1. Read Rigor Redefined by Tony Wagner

2. In your school folder you will find a Reading, Math, and Science SOL

• Work as a school grade level group to develop a lesson from the SOL that meets the Curriculum Map expectations and embeds rigor and vigor.

1. Be prepared to share and to send an electronic copy.