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• Iowa D.E. - Model Core Curriculum

Science

Complete downloadable Science Model Core Curriculum document [ .pdf ]

We believe that the scientifically literate person is one who is aware that science, mathematics and technology are interdependent human enterprises with strengths and limitations; understands key concepts and principles of science; is familiar with the natural world and recognizes both its diversity and unity; and uses scientific knowledge and scientific ways of thinking for individual and social purposes.

Science for All Americans, 1990

"As the workplace becomes more sophisticated and the world becomes smaller, Iowa high schools are challenged to equip their students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this rapidly changing environment. As Governor Vilsack recently testified to Congress, the need to reinvent the high school is well documented. Graduation rates are too low, too may learners continue to struggle, and much of the curriculum needs to be revamped to better prepare our youth - not just to become employed, but also to be informed, concerned and productive citizens."

High Schools: Brighter Futures, 2005

The need for scientific literacy in today's increasingly technological world, for fundamental reforms in how science is taught, and for well validated models that districts might emulate are by now well known and documented. Expressions of concern from business leaders, scientists and educators have led to national, state, and local initiatives. The Iowa Core Curriculum rose from those concerns. It has been a two-decade process in which the Department of Education initiated conversations and produced documents that laid the groundwork for this model. Each of those early efforts led us closer to the design that would produce the clearest picture and become the most useful. This committee used both National and State level documents in this process. The final standards are drawn from the respected work of the National Research Council's (NRC) National Science Education Standards (NSES). The Iowa Core Curriculum is a common set of expectations designed to clarify and raise expectations for all students. It is a tool for Iowa educators to use to assure that essential subject matter is being taught and essential knowledge and skills are being learned.

As the amount of scientific knowledge expands the need for ALL students to have a deep understanding of fundamental concepts increases. Technological advances have made information more readily available and decreased the need to memorize vocabulary and formulas. The scientific community agrees that we should teach fewer concepts at greater depth. The Iowa Science Model Core Curriculum of fundamental concepts and abilities is a rich yet manageable set that will give each district a comprehensive model to evaluate local curricula.

The Iowa Science Model Core Curriculum reflects the beliefs that ALL students should experience science through a curriculum that is rigorous, relevant, global in its perspective, collaborative in nature, and connected by strong visible links to other areas of study. This document follows the format and content of the National Science Education Standards (NSES) in which there are eight categories of standards. The content category of Unifying Concepts and Processes complement the other standards. The concepts and procedures on this category provide students with productive and insightful ways of thinking about and integrating basic ideas that explain the natural and designed world. Four of the categories (Science as Inquiry, Physical Science; Earth and Space Science, and Life Science) are content specific, while the remaining categories (Science and Technology, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives and The History and Nature of Science) address the application of knowledge. Science as Inquiry and the application standards from the NSES are integrated into the knowledge base by design. These concepts and processes include the following:

• Systems, order and organization
• Evidence, models and explanation
• Constancy, change and measurement
• Evolution and equilibrium
• Form and function

Science is more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of thinking and a way of investigating. Students must have the opportunity to examine the impact science has had and will continue to have on the environment and society. These opportunities are the focus of the integrated standards.

The Iowa Science Model Core Curriculum emphasizes student inquiry. The depth of understanding required of our students is not possible with lectures, readings, cookbook labs, and plug-and-chug problem solving. Students must be actively investigating: designing experiments, observing, questioning, exploring, making and testing hypotheses, making and comparing predictions, evaluating data, and communicating and defending conclusions. The science instruction should be engaging and relevant for the students. Strong connections between the lessons and the students' daily lives must be made. This core curriculum reflects high standards of science achievement for ALL students and not just those who have traditionally succeeded in science classes.

The challenge of this document is to create an educational system that connects students to the scientific world. The broad range of understandings and skills possessed by students when they enter 9th grade will require a system that is clearly articulated and masterfully implemented from kindergarten through grade twelve. Teachers will need support and time to ramp up to this challenge. This is a first bold step toward a vision of scientific literacy for all.

© Iowa Department of Education - 2006