Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.

This teacher resource offers a detailed introduction to the Hands-On Science and Technology program (guiding principles, implementation guidelines, an overview of the science skills that grade 3 students use and develop) and a classroom assessment plan complete with record-keeping templates. It also includes connections to the Achievement Levels as outlined in The Ontario Curriculum Grades 1-8 Science and Technology (2007). This resource has four instructional units: Unit 1: Growth and Changes in Plants Unit 2: Strong and Stable Structures Unit 3: Forces Causing Movement Unit 4: Soils in the Environment Each unit is divided into lessons that focus on specific curricular expectations. Each lesson has curriculum expectation(s) lists materials lists activity descriptions assessment suggestions activity sheet(s) and graphic organizer(s)

Cultivate a love for science by providing standards-based practice that captures childrenÕs attention. Spectrum Science for grade 8 provides interesting informational text and fascinating facts about the nature of light, the detection of distant planets, and internal combustion engines. --When children develop a solid understanding of science, theyÕre preparing for success. Spectrum Science for grades 3-8 improves scientific literacy and inquiry skills through an exciting exploration of natural, earth, life, and applied sciences. With the help of this best-selling series, your young scientist can discover and appreciate the extraordinary world that surrounds them!