Understanding Science And Health Standards
Science and health content are essential at all grade levels. The importance of science and health initiatives extend past the walls of the school and should be promoted by the students and families in their homes. This begins with an understanding of the standards and how they are being taught and supported in the classroom.
Create a 10-12 digital slide presentation to be presented to students’ families. Include the following:
Welcome slide outlining the session objectives based on where the presentation will be held (i.e., welcome night, curriculum night, open house).
An overview of the Next Generation Science Standards.
A comparison of your state’s adopted science standards to the Next Generation Science standards to promote mastery of learning for all students in the inclusive classroom. If your state has adopted the NGSS, discuss when the adoption took place and a short comparison to the previously adopted standards.
An overview of your state’s adopted health standards.
Describe two potential science projects that integrate health and could take place throughout the school year. Discuss how students’ strengths and weaknesses will be considered to allow equal access for all and how each lesson will provide an opportunity for students to practice skills that contribute to good health.
Next Generation Science Standards and learning objectives to be used for each project.
Identify ways that the projects can be differentiated to support students with disabilities, ELL, gifted, early finishers, and students with 504 Plans.
Share examples of how families can promote science and health standards at home to help create a mutually respectful learning environment.
Sample Answer
- Welcome to our school!
- This presentation will give you an overview of the science and health standards that your child will be learning this year.
- We hope that you will find this information helpful and that you will partner with us to support your child’s learning.
Slide 2: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- The NGSS are a set of science standards that were developed by states across the country.
- The NGSS are designed to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn science and to develop the skills they need to be successful in college, career, and life.