Belle Heth
Science

What is it?

The Science Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools identify academic content for essential components of the science curriculum at different grade levels. The content of the standards, in conjunction with effective instruction, provide a platform for creating scientifically literate students. The Science Standards of Learning reflect a vertical progression of content and practices. The Standards of Learning contain content strands or topics that progress in complexity as they are studied at various grade levels in grades K-5 and are represented indirectly throughout the middle and high school courses. These strands are:

· Scientific and Engineering Practices

· Force, Motion, and Energy

· Matter

· Living Systems and Processes

· Earth and Space Systems

· Earth Resources

Six critical components for achieving Science literacy are 1) Goals; 2) Investigate and Understand; 3) Nature of Science; 4) Science and Engineering Practices; 5) K-12 Safety; and 6) Instructional Technology. These six components support the Profile of a Virginia Graduate and an integrated instructional approach that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is imperative to science instruction that the local curriculum consider and address how these components are incorporated in the design of the K-12 science program.

How you can HELP!

Help your child understand that there are many ways to understand science (there is more than one right answer) and that science is always changing

Note the weather- watch a forecast

Identify machines, forces, and motion in daily objects

Identify animals, plants, and habitats

Take walks and hikes to identify habitats and ecosystems

Plan field trips with your child or family