National Science Education Standards

  STANDARD MET EVIDENCE DATE(S)
1  CONTENT    
1a.  Know and understand the major concepts and principles of the teaching discipline(s) as defined by state and national standards of the science education community.      
1b. Know and understand major concepts and principles unifying science disciplines.(see NSES Unifying Concepts)     
1.c.  Design, conduct and report investigations within a science discipline.     
1.d.  Apply mathematics in problem-solving and scientific investigation.      
2. NATURE OF SCIENCE      
2.a.   Know and understand the philosophical nature of science and the conventions of scientific explanation.    
2.b.  Engage students effectively in studies of the nature of science and conventions of scientific explanation.      
3.  INQUIRY      
3.a. Know and understand scientific inquiry and its relationship to the development of scientific knowledge.      
3.b. Engage students effectively in scientific inquiry appropriate for their grade level and abilities.      
4.  CONTEXT OF SCIENCE      
4.a. Know and understand the relationship of science to other human values and endeavors      
4.b Engage students effectively in the study of the relationship of science to other human values and endeavors.      
4.c Relate science to the personal lives, needs and interests of students.      
5. SKILLS OF TEACHING      
5.a. Use diverse and effective actions, strategies and methodologies to teach science      
5.b.   Interact effectively with students to promote learning and demonstrate student achievement.      
  5.c.  Organize and manage science activities effectively in different student groupings.      
 5.d. Use advanced technology to teach students science.      
  5.e.  Use prior conceptions and student interests to promote learning.      
6.  CURRICULUM      
6.a Develop coherent, meaningful goals, plans, and materials and find resources.      
6.b. Relate plans and resources to professionally-developed state and national standards, including the NSES.      
6.c Plan and develop science curriculum addressing the needs, interests and abilities of all students.      
7.  SOCIAL CONTEXT      
7.a.  Know and understand the values and needs of the community and their effect on the teaching and learning of science.      
7.b. Use community human and institutional resources to advance the learning of science in the classroom and field.      
8. ASSESSMENT      
8.a Align science goals, instruction and outcomes.      
8.b. Know and use a variety of contemporary science assessment strategies to determine student needs and levels of learning and development.      
8.c.  Use assessment appropriately to determine, guide and change science instruction.      
9.  ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING      
9.a. Create and maintain a psychologically and socially safe and supportive learning environment.      
9.b Manage the activities and materials of science safely in storage areas, labs and field.      
9.c. Keep and use living organisms in the classroom in a safe, ethical and appropriate manner.      
10.  PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE       
10.a. Know and participate in professional organizations and activities of the science education community beyond the classroom.      
10.b.   Behave ethically and in best interests of students and the community.      
10.c. Engage in reflective practices and make continuous efforts to improve in practice.      
10.d Work willingly with peers, supervisors and others in a professional manner.