Activity 4: Exploration of Science Education Standards

A.4.3 When investigating a science-related problem, decide what data can be collected to determine the most useful explanations

In doing the experiment where we froze water I had to decide the length of time and the amount of salt to add to the salt water.  In selecting these for the data set it made for the outcome of the experiment.  The outcome of the experiment was successful.

B.4.1 Use encyclopedias, source books, texts, computers, teachers, parents, other adults, journals, popular press, and various other sources, to help answer science-related questions and plan investigations

In completing assignments for this class Wikipedia and other online sources have been used for information.  I have successfully been able to utilize these databases to complete my assignments. 

C.4.5 Use data they have collected to develop explanations and answer questions generated by investigations

In the experiment on freezing water I was able to collect the data from my experiments to prove my hypothesis. Once the data was collected I was able to use the results to show that cold water did in fact freeze quicker than hot water.

D.4.4 Observe and describe changes in form, temperature, color, speed, and direction of objects and construct explanations for the changes

Experiment was performed to note the changes in water as it freezes. Temperatures were taken and changes in the water were noted.

E.4.5 Describe the weather commonly found in Wisconsin in terms of clouds, temperature, humidity, and forms of precipitation, and the changes that occur over time, including seasonal changes

Wisconsin has the pleasure of experiencing all the seasons.  From cold snowy winters to hot humid summer we see it all.  In the winter we can have below zero weather and in the summer we can see temps rise above 100 degrees F.  Fall and spring bring the slow change between summer and winter.  

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

Plants respond to their surroundings in order to grow.Plants will grow towards light in order to get the sun's rays to touch them.  Plants also have the ability to go dormant and slow growth in order to survive.  Every year in the fall trees lose all of their leaves and they prepare for winter.  Then in the spring all the leaves come back.  Roots in plants also grow out in the different directions in order to better absorb water and provide support for the plant.

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

Stairs in the home will get you from one story to the next.  Ramps outside of the home or in the home help with people that can't walk up stairs.  Simple machines would be: hammers, screwdrivers, and saws used to repair mend and fix things.  

H.4.3 Show* how science has contributed to meeting personal needs, including hygiene, nutrition, exercise, safety, and health care

Science is always studying to advance the human interaction with the world.  Science is continually looking for ways to make our lives better and healthier so we can live longer.  This comes through the development of sprays and creams that repel mosquitoes to a device that you can hook to your heart to give it electric shocks if it stops beating fast enough.  



1. What do you see are big changes compared to the previous standards?

1. K–12 Science Education Should Reflect the Real World Interconnections in Science.

6. Science Standards Coordinate with English Language Arts and Mathematics Common Core State Standards.

These two I feel are the biggest changes compared to previous standards.  Bringing real world applications into science will only strengthen the learning.  When students can apply what they are learning to things are real to them it will help with retention.  When Science is also mixed and applied into math and literacy it only strengthens what is being taught and learned.

Some of the challenges I see that teachers will face will be incorporating into current curriculum.  Some of the standards that teachers have to teach to don't allow for much wiggle room to add to the curriculum.