Science Curriculum in New York :: Education School Essays

Science Curriculum in New York Researching the US National Standards of Science Education and the New York State Science Standards gave our group valuable information about any science curriculum in New York State. We searched the Web and the New York State Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology booklet. Conducting an interview with both Ethanie Holl, kindergarten teacher, and Dr. LaChance, professor, were also very helpful. To start with here is a list of principles that guided the National Science Education Standards (NSES). #1 Science is for all students. #2 Learning science is an active process. #3 School science reflects the intellectual and cultural tradition that characterize the practice of contemporary science. #4 Improving science education is part of sysemic education reform. Following is a list of the seven New York State Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology. #1 Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions. #2 Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies. #3 Students will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying math in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry. #4 Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science. #5 Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs. #6 Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect math, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning. #7 Students will apply the knowlege and thinking skills of math, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions. From our research on the Web and in the booklet, we found that the State standards were derived from the national standards. In other words the National Standards were set with the idea of state and local officials creating the curriculum, assessment programs, and staff development activities that are appropriate for that state/district. The National standards encourage policies that will bring coordination, consistency, and coherence to the improvement of science education.