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.
Project Lead the Way(PLTW) - Launch is an innovative project-based learning program that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math. PLTW empowers students to develop and apply transportable skills (communication, creative and critical thinking, citizenship, collaboration) by exploring real world challenges in exciting and engaging ways. PLTW offers pathways of study in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. Students learn technical skills while they practice the transportable skills. Teachers facilitate modules that consist of activities, a project and a problem to solve. This process allows students to gain knowledge and skills they will need to solve a real world problem. Many of our science standards are incorporated into our PLTW Launch modules. Those standards that are not included are included in integrated Language Arts experiences or as stand alone units of study.
To see PLTW correlations with Science standards, check out this worksheet.
Check out more information about PLTW-Launch on the McHarg Tinker Tank website.
Join your child's Seesaw Digital Journal to see updates of their participation in these modules and other science activities.