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| National Science Education Standards Correlation Matrices Preface Science standards identify what students should know and be able to do in science by the end of a particular grade level or levels. The standards included in this document are National Science Education Standards (NSES) for grades K-4 and 5-8. In this document, the National Science Education Standards have been placed in a matrix format to assist schools as they apply the standards to their science programs. All National Science Education Standards are listed in the left columns under Standards and Concepts and Investigations. At the right are spaces under specific grade-level headings, grades K through 4 or 5 through 8. Teachers and administrators wishing to ensure that their science program meets the NSES standards can use this format to review the specific standards statements, then note in the spaces to the right the grade levels in which the standard is being met. For example, Standard B. 2. d. in the Grades K-4 standards is, "Sound is produced by vibrating objects. The pitch of the sound can be varied by changing the rate of vibration." In grades K-4, children may be involved in a number of sound experiences. First graders may guess or infer objects that make mystery sounds when put in opaque plastic cups and shaken or they may go outdoors for a listening walk to sense and identify sounds. Second graders may be asked to investigate the vibrations they feel in their chest, neck, and head when making a variety of vocal sounds such as "aaaaaaahhhhhh," and "eeeeeeeeeee." The teachers then describes what they feel as "vibrations." The teacher may also demonstrate what happens when a vibrating tuning fork is placed in water. Third graders may make kazoo musical instruments of soda straws and feel vibrations as they make sounds. They may also change the length of straws, making them shorter or longer to predict and observe changes in pitch. Third graders may also explore the concept of high and low pitch while stretching and plucking a variety of rubber bands. These examples, and/or the pages in the curriculum they came from, would be marked in the Grades 1, 2, and 3 columns of the matrix to the right of standard B. 2. d. Comparing the learning experiences included in the curriculum to the standard enables school personnel to discern whether or not the standard is being met. In the foregoing sound example, the standard appears to be met. Conversely, if standard B. 2. d. reveals only blank spaces in the matrix, and no sound experiences are evident, this indicates that sound experiences should be added to the curriculum. It should be noted the a particular standard need not be met at each and every grade level. For instance, all sound experiences may be included only at 2nd and 3rd grade levels , with none at K, 1, or 4. The NSES K-4 standard B. 2. d. for sound would still be met. The matrices may also be used to assess textbook, modules, kits, or other science curriculum materials being considered for adoption and use. If a school is using the National Science Education Standards, it may wish to apply the standards to ensure that the considered materials do, in fact, measure up to the standards. Finally, the standards matrices can be used to assist schools in constructing their own science curricula. Appropriate science learning experiences and their grade level placement can be mapped out for each National Science Foundation Standard. Download the NSES Correlation Matrix Grades K-4 (139KB) Download the NSES Correlation Matrix Grades 5-8 (180KB) |
| ©2003 School Science Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Reina O'Hale Executive Director, MAIS Madrid, Spain | Dr. Ken Mechling - Project Director 1305 Robinwood Drive Clarion, PA 16214 USA | ||||